Not everyone can take the trip to Chicago 20-21 May to be a part of the NATO Summit, but there is a way to be there without the costly trip of actually being there.

With the help of social media tools, the NATO Summit can be visible to anyone with an internet connection. While certain Summit events will be broadcast on network / cable television, others can be accessed via NATO TV (www.natochannel.tv) and WE-NATO.org. While viewing the broadcast in the comfort of home, log in to any social media tool and be part of the Summit by expressing personal sentiments and comments on the topics discussed. This may be better than a front row Summit seat in Chicago!

Why listen in to the Summit broadcasts? Because NATO needs your inputs.

Together with NATO's experts within Public Diplomacy, Public Affairs, Strategic Communications Capability Development, and Operational Experimentation, Allied Command Transformation (ACT) is taking an in-depth look at the Social Media atmosphere around followers of NATO across the globe. The experiment will analyse how Social Media bloggers, Tweeters, Facebookers, and the like, perceive and understand NATO; and how the Social Media atmosphere changes throughout the Summit broadcasts.

While analysts' efforts will be focused on the Social Media atmosphere during the Summit events, the ACT Strategic Communications' experiment will attempt to improve NATO's ability to engage and communicate.

So, skip the long trip to Chicago and log in to a Social Media outlet and Tweet, Blog, or share comments about NATO and the Summit. Or, get involved at the heart of the action by registering with www.WE-NATO.org to participate via Livestream. Anyone can participate.

Login. Spread the word through family and friends. Be heard.

For more information or questions, check our dedicated page or contact socialmedia@act.nato.int.