The National Academy of Medicine on Friday kicks off the first of its three summer town hall-style meetings on the future of nursing at Malcolm X College in Chicago. The theme: education, research and practice.

The NAM Study Committee on the Future of Nursing 2030 report will make additional stops in July and August in Philadelphia (July 24) and Seattle (August 7) as it gathers insights on how to advance the profession of nursing to help our nation create a culture of health, reduce health disparities, and improve the health and well-being of the U.S. population in the 21st century.

Friday’s meeting, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT, will include a panel discussion, followed by time for public comments. Registration to attend is already full, at 450 seats. But the NAM will also livestream the event, and you can register here by Thursday to watch online. Select online comments will be read aloud during the meeting.

The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action is urging nurses to watch a meeting via webcast or hold a “watch party” to view a meeting online with your colleagues, and together be part of the future of your profession. Register your party and we’ll put it on the Campaign’s watch party map!

You can also follow along on Twitter by following #FutureofNursing2030.

There’s more information on these regional meetings, including information on Twitter chats that will precede each one, and how you can get involved and contribute to the future of the nursing profession