Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the National MS Society

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Disparities in healthcare keep many systemically disadvantaged populations, groups and communities from having access to the quality care they need. As a national health organization, speaking out is not just a choice; it is our responsibility. When we support and advocate for those most affected by inequities in our communities and healthcare systems, we lift everyone. This makes us more effective in achieving our vision of a world free of MS.

We define diversity, equity and inclusion as:

• Diversity: Diversity encompasses the range of human differences and similarities that make us unique, such as our cognitive skills and personality traits, along with other characteristics that shape our identity, such as:

• Equity: The work of equity seeks to eliminate discriminatory practices, policies, systems and social norms. It acknowledges that underserved and underrepresented populations have experienced unfair treatment and denial of access due to bias or systemic structures.
• Inclusion: Inclusion is the act of authentically and intentionally bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities and policymaking in a way that shares power.

The desired outcome of our DEI practice is Belonging, a human, emotional need to feel accepted, valued, seen and supported.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core to who we are as an organization. We are committed to the continual practice of identifying and responding to the root causes and impacts of inequitable norms, policies and procedures. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

We are a movement by and for everyone affected by MS. Hate has no place here. The National MS Society has a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment of our staff, volunteers and all people affected by MS, as outlined in our inclusion policy.

Diversity, equity and inclusion has long been a core value of our organization. But we recognized we needed to do more to make the MS movement a place for all affected by MS. We know that this effort is a journey, not a destination, and we will continue to make progress, together.

To demonstrate our commitment to DEI, we:

• Hired a Vice-President of DEI to focus us on DEI strategy and created teams to scale and advance this work, an internal staff work team and a CEO DEI Advisory Committee
• Launched nationwide, annual, virtual affinity experience summits: the Black MS Experience Summit and the Hispanic/Latinx MS Experience Summit
• Supported legislation to increase equitable access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ people
• Invested in research to better understand the differences in MS progression for underrepresented groups
• Facilitated the creation of 4 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), safe and accountable spaces for staff and allies who have an affinity with a particular demographic. These included: