Publications
"The WIIT Charitable Trust : Exposing High School Students to the Field of International Trade"
(PDF, 87 KB)
By F. Amanda DeBusk, Miller & Chevalier Chartered and Marie DeForest, University of Richmond Summer Intern
The WIIT Charitable Trust continues to enhance the learning experience of high school students in the field of international trade. Established in 2001, the Trust's mission is to promote public knowledge and understanding of international trade and international business by being a valued source of information and by globally sponsoring research, educational programs, and information-sharing activities. In 2002, the Trust created an Adopt-A-School program with disadvantaged Washington, D.C. area schools. In May, the Trust wrapped up its second year of programs with the Academy of Law and Public Issues at Largo High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The Academy admits junior and senior students through a competitive application process and lottery.
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(PDF, 89 KB)
By F. Amanda DeBusk, Miller & Chevalier Chartered and Fiona McCarthy, University of Richmond Summer Intern
The WIIT Charitable Trust is enriching the lives of high school students in disadvantaged Washington, D.C. area schools. Formed in 2001, the Trust supports charitable, scientific, and educational activities in international trade. Last year, the Trust decided to organize programs on international trade for a local high school with a large minority or underprivileged student base. Under the leadership of Mary Alexander, Deputy Director, Office of Government and Public Affairs, Panasonic/Matsushita and a group of twelve dedicated volunteers, the Trust designed and implemented an Adopt-A-School project. The adopted school is the Academy of Law and Public Issues of Largo High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
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(PDF, 92 KB) By Mary Lou Egan, Ph.D.
When the nightly news features tear-gassed anti-globalization demonstrators or tear-stained faces of older workers dismissed because of overseas competition, American consumers, voters, politicians, and workers readily recognize the effects of international trade on the lives of individuals. Ironically, however, a public opinion poll sponsored by the WIIT Charitable Trust reveals that these same people often fail to see the role of trade in their own lives, to understand trade's relevance, or to have sufficient information on which to base well-informed opinions.
Using data from this poll, this paper examines how the American public views seven questions about international trade and globalization. It explores differences between the responses of those who think they are knowledgeable about trade and those who admit not being knowledgeable.
"Free Trade Lives On"
The 2001 WIIT Charitable Trust poll on public attitudes toward trade, conducted the first weekend in October 2001, shows continued strong support for international trade, even though most admit little understanding of trade issues.
- 70% said their views on trade have not changed since September 11th
- 79% believe that free trade gives American consumers a larger selection of goods, and
- 67% believe free trade makes American manufacturers more competitive.
- As in previous years, 57% said they approved of trade agreements, even NAFTA. However,
- 60% of the public admits they know little about trade issues and
- 64% say trade has no relationship to their work.
- Finally, in spite of intense lobbying by business and the administration, 81% said they know little or nothing about "trade promotion authority" or "fast track" legislation giving the President authority to conclude trade agreements.
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