Former President Teddy Roosevelt famously said, “It is not the critic who counts … The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” However, technology and social media gives critics a higher platform and louder microphone than ever before. From food to sports to government, people can take shots at other’s decisions – mostly without ever knowing the circumstances surrounding them. Instead of fixing a problem or filling a gap, they decide to sit back, complain and criticize those who are fighting to better Oklahoma. I encourage each of you to silence the critic and turn your observations into objectives for action. Our state faces monumental issues right now such as mental health, public education and aging infrastructure. Those problems, and others, are well documented. Harping on those shortcomings does nothing to help minimize them. It merely adds to the growing chorus of critics society already has. As Oklahomans, it is our obligation to work with one another to right the wrongs we see, not merely critique them. We all have an opportunity to channel our attention into action. Our state has some of the finest nonprofits in the country, filled with professionals who work day in, day out to solve the problems facing our communities. Join them. Through volunteering, board service and financial support, the ways to champion causes are limitless. In 2021, nearly a million Oklahomans volunteered, totaling 94.5 million hours of service to others. Join them. When you see a gap, work to find ways to fill it. If you do not know how to help, reach out to a nonprofit that’s mission aligns with your interest. For those who have never served on a board, The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has a dedicated staff of academics that specializes in training people to serve on nonprofit boards. It is a pivotal time in our state. We must move forward together and stop talking about the problems we face. Oklahoma needs doers who are willing to get in the fight and contribute to our progress. Join us in the arena.