How To Protest Nikki Haley's UN Ambassadorship

It's official. Donald Trump has nominated South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to serve as UN ambassador and she has graciously accepted. And while many are happy that the president-elect has chosen an Indian-American daughter of immigrants to represent our nation's interests on the UN Security Council and in the General Assembly, others are less than thrilled. And there are ways to protest Haley's appointment if you're one of those who aren't happy about it.

As many have pointed out, Haley lacks any international political experience that qualifies her for the position. And when it comes to domestic issues, she is a staunch anti-abortion advocate and, in 2011, signed legislation requiring photo identification at her state's polls. (Though Haley had the confederate flag removed from the South Carolina state capitol and opposed bathroom legislation that would discriminate against transgender individuals.) No doubt, women's and voter's rights will not be a centerpiece of Haley's tenure as UN ambassador.

However, although Haley has accepted Trump's nomination, her appointment still needs to be approved by Senate in order for her to take her spot in the president-elect's cabinet. And if you are one of the many opposed to Haley's serving as UN ambassador, your best means of protest is to reach out to your senators and encourage them to block the South Carolina governor's appointment.

Find Your Senators

The first step in telling your state senators just how you feel is finding them. A simple Google search can help you learn who your senators are, but the U.S. Senate website is also a great resource for not only finding them but also getting their contact information. Look up your state senators on senate.gov to get the protest ball rolling.

Call Your Senators

The best way to ensure your voice is heard is to call your senators' offices and give them a piece of your mind. If you're not great on the phone, write out a script beforehand detailing exactly why you oppose Haley as UN ambassador and why you want your senator to block her appointment. (Don't forget to mention that as a resident of your state, you are a member of your senator's constituency!) Whether you talk to an aide, the senators themselves, or leave a message, calling takes only a moment and promises the most impact.

Message Your Senators

Along with phone numbers, most senators' websites include a contact page or list an email address where you can send your senators a message about why you want them to oppose Haley's appointment. This option is much less immediate than making a phone call, but could be a good route for those who communicate better through writing or simply don't want to talk on the phone. Really want to grab your senator's attention? Go old school and send them a fax.

Tweet Your Senators

Every U.S. Senator has one, if not two, Twitter accounts from which they keep their constituents up to date on the work they are doing. Tweeting at your senators is a great way to make your opposition to Haley public and is a great way to get attention from those with a modest number of followers. Keep in mind though, if your own account lacks a picture of you or doesn't list your location, a protest tweet will hold less weight to a politician than one from a fully filled-out Twitter account. Still, tweeting your senators is a great option for those who feel most comfortable, and have the most sway, in the Twitterverse.

Choose one or all of these options to communicate with your senators if you oppose Haley's appointment to UN ambassador. And while doing any of these once is great, calling, emailing, or tweeting your senators more than once is the best way to get your point across. As always, talk to your friends about which action you chose and encourage them to get on the phone or computer, too. No matter what, if you are unhappy with Haley's appointment you do not have to feel powerless in this situation. Use the magic of modern communication as a political action and protest.