No mystery, no middlemen

How a case goes from a need to a result

Every case follows the same path, and every step is visible on the case page. Here's what happens, and who does what.

  1. 1

    Someone notices a need

    A volunteer submits a case through the member portal, or a person asks for help for themselves on this website. They describe what's happening, where, and how urgent it is.

    Who: volunteers, or the person who needs help
  2. 2

    A careful review

    Continental coordinators read the case and decide whether our volunteers can solve it together. If we can't help, we explain why.

    Who: continental coordinators
  3. 3

    A plan of action

    For accepted cases, the coordinators set out the solution, timeframe, duration, and exactly what a successful result looks like. The plan is published on the case page.

    Who: continental coordinators
  4. 4

    Neighbours team up

    Volunteers and ambassadors in the same country can join the case. As the team grows, the coordinators appoint a case leader.

    Who: volunteers, ambassadors and coordinators
  5. 5

    The work and the updates

    The team gets to work. The case leader keeps everyone on track, talks with the coordinators when needed, and posts a status update roughly every week.

    Who: the case team and case leader
  6. 6

    The Xtra Mile

    If the problem could come back, the team helps the person or family make a simple plan to take ownership of what comes next.

    Who: the case team, with the person helped
  7. 7

    A final report

    When the goal is reached, the case leader submits a final report. The coordinators confirm it, and it's published for everyone to see.

    Who: case leader and coordinators

Who does what

Volunteers

Spot people who need help, submit cases, and do the hands-on work in case teams.

Ambassadors

Share cases, updates and reports from their country so more people step in.

Case leaders

Volunteers appointed to guide a team, post updates and write the final report.

Continental coordinators

Review cases, set the plan of action, appoint case leaders and confirm results.

Questions people ask us

Does XtraMiles collect or give out money?

No. We focus on cases our community can solve together with time, skills and donated materials. We don't ask for donations, and we don't hand out cash.

What kinds of cases do you take on?

Disaster relief, education, healthcare, food security, water and sanitation, shelter and more. If a case is something new, the continental coordinators decide whether it fits.

How long does a review take?

We aim to review every case within a few days. Urgent cases are looked at first.

Can I join a case in another country?

Cases are open to volunteers and ambassadors in the same country, because the work happens in person.

What do you publish about the people you help?

Only what they agree to. We use first names, never exact addresses, and no photos without permission.

Are the roles paid?

No. Every role at XtraMiles is voluntary.