For decades, the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) has recognized the need for more diversity in our profession, and moreover, a stronger focus on equity, inclusion and justice. While strategies to accomplish this have been pushed by passionate and motivated volunteers, efforts have generally been considered anemic even if well-intentioned. The last two strategic plans have elevated concepts of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (J.E.D.I.) within NSGC, enabling the organization to invest more resources toward this effort, resulting in improved D.E.I. scores, better accountability and concrete, structural changes to improve the sense of belonging across our membership.

Despite this progress, NSGC is still at the beginning of this important work, and there is much work to be done across the entire organization as well as the profession broadly. Fortunately, we have a number of willing volunteers who are motivated to contribute to that work. But the question is how?

The NSGC Call for Volunteers opened on October 1 and will close on October 24. Here, we highlight just a few of the areas where people can get involved to contribute to our J.E.D.I. Action Plan and continuing work. While the J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee may be an obvious choice, it is critical to know that nearly every volunteer role has explicit and implicit ways to contribute toward the furtherance of the Action Plan.

J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee — This committee advances organizational goals related to J.E.D.I. as outlined in the NSGC J.E.D.I. Action Plan and Strategic Plan. Some recent examples include developing quarterly pulse surveys, facilitating outreach events for high schools and colleges, reviewing NSGC.org content, as well as providing reviews and recommendations to committees, SIGs and other NSGC groups regarding J.E.D.I. considerations.

Annual Conference Planning Committee — The Annual Conference is the biggest part of NSGC’s annual budget, both in terms of expense and income. It is attended by thousands of genetic counselors and the content influences professional development and clinical care throughout North America and increasingly globally. Volunteering on the Annual Conference Planning Committee helps shape the content, speakers and special programming, including how to incorporate J.E.D.I. into sessions.

Disciplinary Procedures Committee — As part of our commitment to the J.E.D.I. Action Plan, there is a disciplinary procedures process to address violations of NSGC’s Policy on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)  as well as other policies, such as the Annual Conference Code of Conduct. To ensure there is accountability for these policies, there is a committee to review and investigate when a possible violation is identified by a member.

Education Committee — This group oversees and develops NSGC educational products and services to ensure NSGC’s education programs grow and support both the core skills and specialized needs of our members. One goal of this committee is to publish, promote and update any new NSGC educational offerings, including essential J.E.D.I. continuing education for genetic counselors in diverse settings as well as an online course on leadership and career development.

Membership Committee — Many functions fall under the Membership Committee, but some highlights of areas where there is direct actionability related to J.E.D.I. goals include NSGConnect for mentorship and eliciting and administering of SIG grants. The Membership Committee also selects the four at-large NSGC members for the Nominating Committee.

Nominating Committee — There are four at-large NSGC members selected each year to join four members of the Board of Directors to review nominations, conduct interviews and ultimately select the slate of new leaders for NSGC — four new directors-at-large, a secretary/treasurer-elect and president-elect. This is a powerful way to contribute to the strategic direction of NSGC and ensure diverse voices and experiences are included. (Additionally, look for the call for nominations in early 2025!)

And this is only a few examples!

We need members who are passionate about achieving inclusion and belonging for all current and future genetic counselors to volunteer throughout the organization. A just and equitable mindset needs to be woven into the fabric of NSGC to the point where one day the idea of a J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee will be obsolete. Whatever your experience, tenure, background or skill set, there are volunteer roles — small and large — where you can contribute.

Please take a look at the NSGC Call for Volunteers and join us!

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