About Us

Genetic Counseling Trainee Platform for Racial Justice (GCRJ)


Mission

The GC Trainee Platform for Racial Justice (GCRJ) fosters a community of genetic counseling trainees of all races, backgrounds, and identities that is grounded in becoming actively anti-racist. GCRJ was founded in response to the desire of genetic counseling trainees for a dedicated and open space to learn about our roles as individuals and future genetic counselors in the Black Lives Matter movement. GCRJ facilitates self-reflection, self-education, and community learning about anti-racism among all members. As current trainees become rapidly integrated into the genetic counseling workforce, GCRJ aims to empower members to cultivate an enduring culture of genetic counselors who work towards dismantling systemic racism.

Vision statement

GCRJ envisions a community of genetic counseling trainees that centers lifelong learning and advocacy for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce and approach to genetic counseling.

Membership criteria

Currently, GC training program classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 are invited to the membership. Class of 2020 is welcome to participate for 1 year after graduation. Practicing Genetic Counselors, prospective students, and the greater genetic counseling community can stay engaged with GCRJ through our Twitter account and website.


Communication guidelines

  • Speak for yourself. Use “I” statements to speak from your own experiences. Avoid using “othering” statements such as “they” or “that group”.

  • Review objectives for every meeting. The platform objectives are to gain a deeper understanding of systemic oppression and to realize our individual and collective roles in the anti-racist movement. Facilitators set specific objectives before the meeting begins, as well as an agenda in order to help attendees anticipate what will be covered and to prepare. For example, “discuss an article in order to recognize the lived experiences of Black genetic counseling patients in a cancer clinic”.

  • Impact over intent. Prioritize the impact over the intent of your actions when in conversation, planning, and when confronted for any reason. Regardless of intent, impact affects others.

  • Take space when you're ready, and make space when you're done sharing to hear from others. Recognize how much space you take up. Determine why you would like to speak and if it is in line with the objectives of the meeting.

  • This is a brave space. These are open discussions between trainees, and oftentimes sharing perspectives and ideas can be challenging. We are unable to call this a ‘safe space’ since as we know, we have a lot of work to do to create equity and safety for all.

  • Recognize, question, and acknowledge feelings of defensiveness, shame, and guilt if they arise. This is not a support group. Identify spaces outside of the platform to process feelings of white guilt. For non-white members, the platform can absolutely provide opportunities to find community with those with similar experiences and backgrounds.

  • Tone policing is not tolerated.

  • Actively respect identities: pronouns, name pronunciation, accessibility needs, and any other pieces of identity that one chooses to share. More on pronouns: please include your pronouns if you would like (i.e. in Zoom or Slack names).

  • Follow the Slack etiquette. Find this information pinned in the #getting-started channel.


Developed July 2020 by the Mission Statement Development Committee: Brooke Richardson, Nivi Ahlawat, Gianna Petrelli, and Maia Borensztein. Please submit any feedback about the mission statement here.