Recommendations
1. Provide an annual report and bi-annual updates on the progress of the J.E.D.I. Action Plan and initiatives. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- NSGC publishes quarterly updates on the progress of the J.E.D.I. Action Plan and initiatives via this J.E.D.I. Action Plan Dashboard posted on the NSGC website.
- NSGC reports on J.E.D.I. initiatives and progress related to the J.E.D.I. Action Plan throughout the year via NSGC’s website, e-newsletters, webinars and Perspectives articles.
2. Create and publish J.E.D.I.-related communications and collect feedback from NSGC members through quarterly pulse surveys. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- Articles on J.E.D.I.-related content and initiatives published in Perspectives.
- Quarterly pulse surveys are administered by the J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee. Learnings and recommendations from these surveys are shared with the NSGC Board and NSGC Committees as appropriate to inform NSGC activities, programs and services.
3. Modernize and update the website regularly with general and J.E.D.I.-related content. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- The J.E.D.I. Resources page has been updated to include J.E.D.I. resources created by NSGC members, Committees, Subcommittees and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
- The Website Working Group of the J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee was established in 2024 to assist NSGC staff with regularly reviewing and updating content and resources shared on the J.E.D.I. web pages.
4. Evaluate the accessibility of NSGC.org and update the website to current accessibility best practices. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- A website accessibility audit of NSGC.org was completed in Q4 of 2023 and NSGC incorporated the recommendations from the audit in 2024.
- In 2024, NSGC worked with an external translation vendor and leaders of the Spanish Development SIG to translate NSGC’s patient-facing websites, AboutGeneticCounselors.com and Find a Genetic Counselor, to Spanish.
5. Communicate to lapsed members regarding J.E.D.I. efforts and progress. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- Members who do not renew their membership each year receive a survey to better understand their reasons for not renewing. A question was added to the 2024 Lapsed Member Survey to assess lapsed members' perception around inclusion and belonging. NSGC assesses trends and responses from the Lapsed Member Survey each year to inform NSGC's activities, programs and services.
- In 2024, lapsed members were invited to participate in the J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessment by signing up to complete a stakeholder interview and share their experience related to J.E.D.I. within NSGC as a former member.
6. Re-administer J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessment to measure progress and share updates across the organization. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- In October 2020 and March 2024, NSGC partnered with The Exeter Group, a healthcare equity firm specializing in DEI, to conduct a J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessment of NSGC. The findings and recommendations from each assessment are detailed in the 2024 Executive Summary and the 2021 Executive Summary and Full Report.
- In August 2024, NSGC hosted a webinar with The Exeter Group to present the high-level findings and recommendations from the 2024 J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessment to NSGC members.
Recommendations
1. Provide Annual Conference sessions in a hybrid format. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- NSGC provided conference sessions in a hybrid format (e.g., online and in person) in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and plans to continue this offering.
- Recordings of conference sessions are packaged and made available for purchase and CEU credit/s after the conference.
2. Offer opportunities for members to obtain financial support to attend the Annual Conference. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- Full or New Genetic Counselor NSGC Members can apply for the Annual Conference Scholarship to attend the Annual Conference either in person or virtually. The NSGC Board of Directors and industry partners awarded $35,000 in Annual Scholarships each year in 2023 and 2024.
3. Incorporate J.E.D.I. perspectives into the Annual Conference topic selection process. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- Beginning in 2022, the NSGC Call for Speakers asks Session Submissions to incorporate actionable J.E.D.I. into all applicable sessions.
4. Record and make Annual Conference presentations available to watch on-demand. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- Annual Conference Plenary, Platform and Educational Breakout Sessions are recorded annually and are available in the virtual platform after the event for those who purchase conference registration. Those who do not purchase conference registration can purchase a portion of the recordings on-demand at a later date (as determined by the NSGC Annual Conference Program Committee and On-Demand Subcommittees).
5. Consider accessibility when selecting a conference venue and provide accommodations to attendees to ensure accessibility. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- J.E.D.I. is embedded in the planning and administration of the Annual Conference to reduce barriers to access, including hosting events in various regions to increase access to events for NSGC members and other attendees and choosing locations and venues with affordable airfare and hotel options.
- NSGC prioritizes access for all professionals and students, including striving to select event dates that minimize religious holiday and academic year conflicts.
- NSGC considers accessibility access when selecting the conference and provides accommodations for attendees to ensure the conference and presentations are accessible to everyone. Closed captioning is provided for all live and recorded sessions. Additional services, such as shuttles, scooters and ASL interpreters are provided upon request during the registration process.
- At the conference venue, NSGC ensures the following amenities are available for attendees: gender neutral restrooms, breast/chest feeding room and prayer/meditation/quiet room.
Recommendations
1. Develop and offer J.E.D.I.-related, CEU-eligible training and low- or no-cost J.E.D.I. resources for members. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- The 2023 Education Committee developed a content outline for essential J.E.D.I. continuing education and current J.E.D.I.-related education courses to identify any gaps or areas of opportunity for J.E.D.I. education. The 2023 J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee reviewed this outline and provided additional feedback.
- The Education Committee will continue to collaborate with the J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee to publish, promote and update NSGC educational offerings that focus on J.E.D.I.-specific topics or updates and incorporate J.E.D.I. themes.
- NSGC released a CEU-eligible education bundle of lectures from the NSGC 41st Annual Conference with a J.E.D.I. theme at a discounted cost in 2023. A second discounted J.E.D.I. educational bundle is in development.
- Annual Conference recordings are available on-demand at a low cost.
2. Implement a mentorship program that incorporates dimensions of diversity. Status: Underway
- The NSGConnect mentor program connects members across all career stages, positions, and specialties in networking, career development and exploring new roles to enrich the profession. The Membership Committee and J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee continue to explore opportunities to incorporate different dimensions of diversity into the program by utilizing member feedback from various surveys.
- After completing a Member Needs Assessment in 2023, the Membership Committee is developing a leadership training within NSGC for the general membership in collaboration with the Education Committee.
- Mentorship is built into the annual NSGC Leadership Summit, which launched in January 2024, for the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs.
3. Develop J.E.D.I.-related tools and guides tailored toward genetic counseling services as well as work within NSGC. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- The 2022 NSGC Education Committee developed an NSGC Speaker Guide that provides recommendations for speakers on how to make presentations and other educational activities effective, inclusive and accessible for all learners.
- The 2022 NSGC Membership Equity & Inclusion Implementation (E.I.I.) Subcommittee and 2023 J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee compiled a list of holidays and cultural celebrations and awareness dates that can be referred to when scheduling meetings or events and to build inclusivity across NSGC’s membership. The J.E.D.I. Awareness Calendar will be updated annually by the J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee.
- Additional J.E.D.I. resources and toolkits created by NSGC members, Committees, Subcommittees and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are available and updated quarterly on the J.E.D.I. Resources page of NSGC.org. These resources were also presented to NSGC members via a CEU-eligible J.E.D.I. Webinar in March 2024.
- The NSGC Position Statement Committee developed a position statement on "Distinguishing Sex and Gender to Reduce Harm" that was published in June 2024.
4. Develop a J.E.D.I. framework for NSGC and provide members guidelines for broadening diversity dimensions and applying framework within NSGC. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- In November 2021, the NSGC J.E.D.I. Action Plan Task Force was formed to develop a recommended J.E.D.I. Action Plan based on recommendations from the 2020 J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessment. NSGC's J.E.D.I. Action Plan was approved by the NSGC Board of Directors in June 2022 and kickoff of the Action Plan commenced in August 2022. For more information on the Action Plan, visit www.nsgc.org/JEDI.
- As NSGC moves forward with the recommendations and goals outlined in the Action Plan, it has developed new policies and built systems that incorporate J.E.D.I. outcomes in NSGC’s operating and decision-making processes. This dashboard further details the strategic goals and objectives outlined in the J.E.D.I. Action Plan. Additional guidelines developed for members to apply this framework within NSGC include the following:
- NSGC established organization-wide definitions of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) that guide and inform NSGC’s work and policies and approved the organization's DEIB Policy in September 2022.
- NSGC implemented a Disciplinary Procedures Process in January 2024 to handle alleged violations of NSGC policy by NSGC members, including violation of NSGC's Bylaws, Code of Ethics, DEIB policy, Annual Conference Code of Conduct or other policies by NSGC members.
5. Provide J.E.D.I. training for NSGC hiring managers. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- All current NSGC hiring managers have received implicit bias training and similar training will be provided for any future hiring managers.
6. Provide J.E.D.I. training to all current and future NSGC leaders. Status: Underway
- Board members and Committee Chairs participate in J.E.D.I. exercises and discussions during the annual Leadership Summit (launched in Q1 of 2024) focused on promoting a culture of accountability and belonging as inclusive leaders.
Recommendations
1. Increase awareness of genetic counseling career paths through early outreach and community service programs amongst diverse audiences. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- In 2023, NSGC volunteers hosted two student outreach events to kick off the 42nd Annual Conference activities at a local high school and college in Chicago for 50+ students and provided free day-passes to the Annual Conference for local college students.
- In 2024, the J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee Student Outreach Workgroup hosted two student outreach events prior to the 43rd Annual Conference in New Orleans, meeting with 80 students at a local high school and college.
- The NSGC Membership Committee attends career fairs and conferences each year in partnership with organizations supporting underrepresented students in health care and STEM and reports on outcomes and learnings in the Committee’s Quarterly Reports. Organizations NSGC has partnered with and attended events with include the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), The Global Community for Academic Advising (NACADA), Genetics Opportunity, Learning, Development, and Empowerment Network (GOLDEN) and the Western States Regional Genetics Network (WSGRN).
2. Develop toolkits and resources to support members in recruiting underrepresented groups into the profession and increasing awareness of genetic counseling. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- The 2022 NSGC Recruitment Subcommittee created a Recruitment Slide Deck template to utilize for student outreach.
- In 2023 and 2024, NSGC staff worked with volunteers to make additional updates to the slide deck, update the Workforce Recruitment Flyer and add new outreach resources (including an outreach event flyer sample and media release form) to NSGC.org for members to utilize for recruitment activities in their local community centers, schools, etc. Members can log in to NSGC.org to access these Diverse Workforce & Student Recruitment resources on NSGC's Healthcare Business Resources page.
3. Advocate to add J.E.D.I.-related continuing education requirements for maintenance of certification. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- NSGC has shared comments and data regarding certification from the 2020 Exeter Assessment with the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) and plans to continue to explore opportunities to add J.E.D.I. education requirements to recertification in ongoing leadership conversations with ABGC.
4. Leverage partnerships to advocate for J.E.D.I. throughout the profession and collaborate on creating shared resources supporting underrepresented students and genetic counselors. Status: Underway
- NSGC developed a statement of collaboration with all North American Genetic Counseling Organizations (NAGCO).
- In partnership with the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), NSGC supported the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)-sponsored Human Genetics & Genomics Workforce Survey. Other collaborators included the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG), the Association of Professors of Human and Medical Genetics (APHMG) and the Minority Genetic Professionals Network (MGPN).
- NAGCO DEIJ Committees/Groups developed a DEIJ Collaboration in early 2024 and meet quarterly to discuss projects underway, collaborate on efforts where appropriate and help cross-promote resources/programs. On October 10, 2024, the group hosted a webinar to share more about the organizations' collaborative DEIJ efforts and individual organizations' resources and initiatives.
- NSGC Committees and SIGs have created multiple J.E.D.I. resources that include tools, guidelines and additional sources for genetic counselors and genomic healthcare professionals, educators and students to utilize.
- NSGC continues to assess areas of opportunity for creating shared resources with other partners.
5. Provide recommendations to Smithbucklin around recruiting diverse communities and updating job descriptions to be more inclusive of diverse perspectives and experiences when hiring for NSGC staff roles. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- Since 2020, Smithbucklin has developed a Statement of Inclusion that guides hiring practices and has revised job descriptions, onboarding and internal training to attract and retain a more diverse workforce.
Recommendations
1. Explore the creation of internal communities related to personal identity within NSGC. Status: Underway
- The NSGC Board and Executive Office continue to assess findings from the J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessments and member feedback to consider developing personal identity-based internal communities and whether these could be infused into NSGC’s existing community structure, or a new structure needs to be developed.
2. Collect data on diversity dimensions for NSGC leadership roles, award recipients and scholarship winners. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- In 2024 NSGC updated the core demographic questions included in various surveys and forms to more accurately and consistently collect and track various diversity dimensions of NSGC volunteers and leaders and scholarship and award applicants, nominees and selections.
- Demographic data collected is used to track and evaluate diversity elements within NSGC over time as the organization works to build a more diverse recruitment and leadership pipeline. NSGC does not share the demographic data collected with the Awards Committee and responses do not impact award or other candidate decisions but is used to assess how selection criteria and evaluation rubrics are supporting diversity in NSGC’s awards and leadership selection with the goal of increasing diversity.
3. Develop and implement a leadership development program to support increased diversity in NSGC’s leadership pipeline. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- In January 2024, NSGC hosted the inaugural Leadership Summit for the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs and embedded J.E.D.I. principles throughout the two days of content, with one specific module focused on supporting diversity and inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences within the work of NSGC’s committees, task forces and advisory groups.
- In October 2024, NSGC launched the NSGC Leadership and Career Development Course, developed in partnership with the NSGC Education and NSGC Membership Committees.
4. Reevaluate leader selection process and criteria and implement processes to increase transparency. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- The Nominating Committee consistently reviews the Nominations Process and evaluates member feedback and puts together a report with their findings and recommendations to further improve the experience of candidates and advance equitable practices. Beginning in 2022, the NSGC Nominating Committee completes an annual implicit bias training.
- In 2021 NSGC provided an online course for NSGC members and Committee members – “The Formation of Implicit Biases and Practical Strategies to Address Them” – that is currently available at no cost on the J.E.D.I. Resources page and CEU-eligible for a fee in the Online Education Center.
- NSGC regularly reviews and updates the Call for Volunteers to implement equitable and streamlined application and review processes based on member feedback and best practices identified by NSGC staff, Committees and the Board.
5. Provide rewards or recognition to staff and members who complete J.E.D.I.-related work. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- The NSGC Awards Committee awards a scholarship to select genetic counseling students each year who are conducting thesis research related to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion or cultural humility issues in the genetic counseling profession.
- The NSGC Awards Committee presents leadership awards at the NSGC Annual Conference, including a Leader in Cultural Advocacy, Leader in Diversity and Inclusion and Community Engagement Award.
- NSGC Staff, Board of Directors and Committee members are active participants in advancing J.E.D.I. Action Plan recommendations and related initiatives. All 2024 Committee charges incorporate J.E.D.I. and will continue to do so, and J.E.D.I. is a strategic pillar in the 2022 – 2024 Strategic Plan.
6. Incorporate J.E.D.I. into NSGC business operations. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- NSGC added a dedicated J.E.D.I. staff member to the Membership & Operations team in 2022.
- Current business operation practices are reviewed regularly by NSGC staff and recommendations from NSGC members are incorporated to enhance equity and inclusion.
- For example, in 2023 the NSGC Board approved a reduction in Student Member dues to $50 (from $150) and launched a new All-access Membership model allowing unlimited membership in NSGC SIGs with payment of member dues to reduce cost barriers for current and potential members.
- An annual survey is administered to NSGC staff to assess the impact of business operation changes in advancing equity and inclusion.
7. Assess and evaluate diversity when selecting contractors and vendors. Status: Underway
- In 2020 NSGC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) with the aim of engaging a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) consultant to assess the state of DEI at the organization. NSGC selected The Exeter Group, a healthcare equity firm specializing in DEI, to fulfill the proposal requirements for an organizational assessment and work with NSGC leadership, membership and staff to craft and provide guidance on implementing the J.E.D.I. Action Plan.
- When conducting a conference site search, NSGC makes every attempt to select a venue that allows NSGC to accomplish our conference goals of education, networking and building community. Once a location is selected, NSGC works together with volunteers, local businesses and the community to strategize how to support NSGC members, attendees and the surrounding community.
8. Charge the J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee with identifying opportunities and actions that will advance J.E.D.I. in NSGC, including making recommendations regarding pulse surveys about J.E.D.I. initiatives. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- The NSGC Board develops and approves annual charges for the J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee that reflect this recommendation.
- The 2024 J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee is charged with developing and implementing three pulse surveys to ascertain member input and/or feedback on specific J.E.D.I.-related topics and activities. Upon review and analysis of the survey results, the Committee identifies recommendations and additional opportunities for action to share with the NSGC Board, staff and other Committees.
Recommendations
1. Incorporate J.E.D.I.-related goals into overall organizational, NSGC leadership and staff strategic plans. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
2. Implement an anti-oppressive framework to foster conversations and connections across the organization. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- NSGC instituted a Disciplinary Procedures Policy and Committee (implemented in January 2024) to ensure that the high standards of ethics, professionalism and mutual respect outlined in all of NSGC’s policies, including NSGC’s DEIB Policy, are upheld by NSGC members and staff.
- In February 2024 NSGC introduced a new method of collecting feedback from members through the memberfeedback@nsgc.org inbox. This resource is instrumental in evaluating member needs and satisfaction and helps inform leadership decision making.
- In June 2024 the NSGC Board of Directors approved updates to the NSGCommunities Rules and Discussion Forums Etiquette to align with NSGC’s DEIB Policy and Code of Ethics.
- NSGC facilitates opportunities for member conversation and connection through the Community Conversations Series that take place throughout the year. View recordings of past Community Conversations and learn about upcoming Community Conversations on NSGC.org. This series has been supported by the Education Committee, the Membership Equity, Inclusion and Implementation (E.I.I.) Subcommittee and NSGC staff.
3. Consult calendar of cultural celebrations when planning events. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- The 2022 NSGC Membership Equity, Inclusion and Implementation (E.I.I.) Subcommittee and 2023 J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee created the J.E.D.I. Awareness Calendar for staff and volunteers to refer to when scheduling meetings or events and to build inclusivity across NSGC’s membership.
- The NSGC Board of Directors and Executive Office consult the calendar of cultural celebrations when selecting Annual Conference dates.
4. Develop organization-wide definitions for diversity, equity and inclusion. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
5. Incorporate J.E.D.I. into marketing and membership materials. Status: Implemented + Ongoing
- A “J.E.D.I. Spotlight” section was added to the NSGC Link e-newsletter in November 2023 to provide monthly updates on NSGC J.E.D.I. initiatives and events.
- NSGC continues to publish articles incorporating diverse perspectives and focusing on J.E.D.I. topics in Perspectives.
- NSGC and its various committees review marketing and membership materials, including the website, on an annual basis to ensure the materials incorporate J.E.D.I. and are up to date.