The J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee works closely with NSGC members across the organization to implement justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. In 2024, the committee collected member feedback through quarterly J.E.D.I. Pulse Surveys informed by the results of the 2024 J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessment.

We are excited to share more about progress made in partnership with NSGC leadership, as well as related committees and SIGs, based on your feedback and recommendations from these surveys. To learn about the progress of the following recommendations, and about those already implemented and other accomplishments achieved in recent years, review the J.E.D.I. Action Plan Dashboard updated quarterly on NSGC.org.

Organizational Assessment Survey (Q1)

As a follow-up to the 2020 J.E.D.I. Organizational Assessment, NSGC again engaged The Exeter Group to  conduct a reassessment in 2024. The DEI Index Score (members’ overall perception of DEI within the organization) was 76.53% or a “C” grade, increasing by 4.45% compared to 2020 (72.08% or “C-“).

Themes from the 2020 and 2024 assessments were similar, including a desire for improved communication, transparency and accountability. In 2024, members acknowledged the J.E.D.I. education offered by NSGC, and emphasized the need for more advanced or actionable topics. Similarly, while members appreciated the J.E.D.I. initiatives and policies developed since the 2020 assessment, members emphasized the need to focus on inclusion in addition to increased diversity in NSGC membership and leadership positions. This was emphasized by the lowest scoring survey domain in 2024, “Appreciation of Individual Attributes.”

Mentorship Pulse Survey (Q2)

115 individuals completed the survey on NSGConnect in June 2024. Most had never used NSGConnect stating lack of awareness as the primary factor. Many reported already having mentor/mentee connections outside of NSGConnect, most commonly through an informal connection. Many also reported issues using the NSGConnect service including not being able to find it on the NSGC website or not receiving a mentorship match.

Recommendations

• Create a public page on the website for current and prospective members to learn more about NSGConnect
• Make the matching process more efficient
• Consider additions to member profiles, such as adding specific affinity group interests and pronouns
• Consider additions to NSGConnect fields, such as skills that focus on new hires/younger professionals, more industry specialties (e.g., market access), and opportunities to connect with others to find/promote inclusion and belonging in the profession
• Explore new strategies to market and promote NSGConnect, including at the NSGC Annual Conference and in eblasts
• Support prospective students in identifying mentorship programs through other organizations via NSGC’s Prospective Student Resources

Education Pulse Survey (Q3)

The Q3 J.E.D.I. Pulse Survey focused on education and resources, and received the greatest number of responses (n=147). The majority of respondents were interested in continuing to receive J.E.D.I. education from NSGC, requesting more advanced and actionable education, particularly via a webinar or virtual session.

Respondents expressed strong interest in learning strategies to increase access to genetic counseling services to underrepresented populations, education about inclusivity in patient care and student training and supervision, as well as education about the impacts of U.S. policy changes on the profession such as reproductive justice policies, anti-trans legislation and affirmative action. Also of high interest was how to communicate effectively and inclusively about J.E.D.I. topics with colleagues whose opinions differ and within a power dynamic.

Recommendations

• Continue to incorporate disability topics as well as diversity metrics outside of race and ethnicity (such as religion) into J.E.D.I. content
• Incorporate additional structural approaches to interweave J.E.D.I. content into education topics such as scientific issues, patient care and professional issues
• Incorporate higher-level J.E.D.I. content by bringing in non-genetic counselor consultants or facilitators
• Consider building a future J.E.D.I. Webinar Series
• Review the impact of including J.E.D.I. questions in Annual Conference proposal submissions

Education Accessibility Pulse Survey (Q4)

Distributed in November 2024, this survey focused on access and inclusion related to NSGC educational content and events, specifically the Annual Conference, but also including webinars, courses and lecture series. There were 127 responses, 44% of whom identified as having a condition that substantially impacts major life activities. Additionally, 6% identified as being immunocompromised and 12% identified as neurodivergent. Most respondents prioritized in-person attendance for the Annual Conference in recent years but also supported increased access to the Annual Conference sessions virtually as an attendee and/or speaker. Respondents shared that they receive educational content via the NSGC Webinar Series (77.17%), NSGC Educational Courses/Lecture Series through the Online Education Center (43.31%), and NSGC Community Conversations Series (23.62%).

Recommendations

• Reduce of cost barriers
• Increase and continue making available virtual learning
• Improve communication of accessibility options
• Make improvements to visual accessibility
• Consider physical accessibility: e.g., walking distances and availability of designated seating

Looking Ahead

On behalf of the 2024 J.E.D.I. Stewardship Committee, we thank you for participating in the J.E.D.I. Pulse Surveys. Your feedback is informative and valued and will be considered for future planning by the NSGC Board and committee leaders. Your voice is important in influencing change and future initiatives within our organization. To share additional feedback, please reach out via NSGC’s member feedback email.

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