The editorial in the August 19, 2015 Free Press was spot on in extolling the virtues of collaboration rather than confrontation. Collective energy is far more powerful than self-centered dysfunctional operations. Characteristics of both community and personal families are similar and the results can attest to the power of overcoming adversity or rising to new heights when everyone pulls together. The edit could have added that it was the North Mankatoans themselves who wanted to join the greater community. Their leadership listened, engaged and actively participated to make this a greater region for all. This is not typical of U.S. communities in most regions and we should take pride in that differentiation. Regardless of what we face in the future, we are better off with all oars stroking at the same time and heading in the same direction.