For too long, debates over international trade have been dominated by corporate elites and economic ideologues, rather than rooted in the experiences of ordinary Americans. 

The Trade Stories Project allows people who have been affected by policies and institutions like NAFTA and the WTO to share their views on a matter crucial to the global economy. 

This includes displaced workers, farmers, small business owners and immigrants who have been typically excluded from the trade debate.

Harold Brown

Bellefontaine, OH

Harold had been a stock handler at the Seimens plant in Bellefontaine, Ohio, for 17 years when they moved operations to Mexico, leaving over 450 people jobless. Harold expressed skepticism about retraining packages that were offered.

“Retrained to do what?  There aren't any jobs.  Where are you going to find a job here making the money we made? ...

"I hope for the American people this doesn't keep happening.  We can't all work at Wal-Mart and McDonald's.  I'm scared for my kids.  Where are they going to work?"