Mayor Sam Teresi has joined more than 350 other U.S. mayors to declare Thursday "Extra Mile Day" and recognize the capacity people have to create positive change in ourselves, families, organizations and communities.
In association with Extra Mile America, mayors in all 50 states have come together to remind people that individuals and organizations each have the authority to create change by their willingness to do more, give more, and go the extra mile.
"We all talk about wanting change, happiness and more opportunity. However, relying on others to make that happen is only wishing for life to get better," said Shawn Anderson, Extra Mile America founder. "Life can be hard, no doubt. But the 'go the extra mile' message gives people an alternative to just throwing their arms in the air and saying 'I give up.'"
Extra Mile America started in 2009 with non-bicyclist Anderson's symbolic 4,000 mile solo bike ride across the United States, during which he interviewed 200 people identified as "going the extra mile" in either accomplishing something unique, or in overcoming major tragedy. Since then, Extra Mile Day has been established.