Oklahomans are an independent, self-sufficient people. History books are littered with stories of the strength and resilience of our ancestors. Their spirit of autonomy shines through in our most cherished values and ideals. As Oklahomans, we still believe in and work for the American Dream, which largely hinges on self-responsibility. However, what we’re quick to forget when reminiscing on that idealized version of the American home with the picketed fence is the community in which it lies. We neglect to factor in the surrounding connections needed to complete our Rockwellian picture. We are social creatures who exist to have relationships with one another, which are built through communities of schools, churches, businesses, nonprofits and neighborhoods. The strength of those communal bonds can supersede the social divisions that continue to us apart. Oklahoma’s nonprofit community stands as an example of how connections erase divisions. At the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, we work daily to convene charitable organizations in an effort to build community. We have the privilege of seeing sector leaders drop whatever alliances they might have and come together. They learn, grow and flourish in community. They help each other with similar issues and come together to solve problems as a team. The power of those partnerships and the hardships they are able to overcome continually humble and amaze me. They embody the spirit of the Oklahoma Standard and demonstrate that we are better together, in community. Regardless of background, we all need the community of others. It’s the glue that binds us together; it creates relationships and gives us support, love and care. As the holidays approach, I encourage you to reach out and find community, whatever that may look like to you. Beneath the festive decorations and twinkling lights lies the true gift – time with one another.