Education Rights Counsel launches updated mission and values

Defining our next chapter of child-focused, collaborative advocacy

Education Rights Counsel (ERC) has unveiled an updated mission and values—marking an important milestone in our ongoing evolution as a child-focused, collaborative force for educational equity.

Launched alongside our strategic plan, this refined direction reflects years of thoughtful work to communicate more authentically about who we are and what drives us. The process began in July 2024 and engaged ERC’s team, board, and partners in deep reflection on our purpose, impact, and future.

Our updated mission—Protecting the right to learn for every child through collaboration, advocacy, and the law—underscores ERC’s commitment to partnership and justice at every level of our work. It is guided by our vision: All children stay in school and thrive.

At the heart of this mission are four core values that define how we serve children, families, and schools across Nebraska. We are:

Innovative – We challenge “the way it’s always been done,” empowering creativity and adaptability to better serve children.

Tenacious – We pursue every child’s right to learn with passion, urgency, and grit.

Accountable – We hold systems—and ourselves—to the highest ethical standards, ensuring integrity and meaningful impact.

Fair – We lead with justice and compassion, standing beside families to ensure all children have the opportunity to learn.

This launch marks not just a new statement of purpose, but a renewed commitment to our mission: protecting every child’s right to learn and thrive.