John, as we mark International Women's Day today, I'm emailing you to ask that you make a donation to support Off The Sidelines — my organization that is 100% dedicated to electing more women to public office and ensure our voices are heard in the halls of Congress. But before I do that, I want to tell you about the first time I ever stepped foot in a campaign's headquarters.

My grandmother, who was a political powerhouse in her own right, decided it was time for her 10-year-old granddaughter to see democracy in action. When we stepped through the doors, and the hustle and bustle of campaigning hit us, my eyes were immediately drawn to the group of ladies sitting together stuffing envelopes. I knew in an instant that I wanted to be just like them.

As my grandmother continued to show me the world of public service, I realized that this is how I could make a positive change and fight for women everywhere. At just 10 years old, I had a bold but definitive dream: I wanted to be in the U.S. Senate.

Unfortunately, like far too many young, ambitious girls, that flame was extinguished by others as I grew up. And so I never admitted that dream again — until 30 years later.

When I finally found the courage and confidence to run for office — and won — I realized that the work had only just begun. There were countless women whose voices we needed in Washington, but who didn't have the confidence, networks or funds to get here.

That's why I started Off The Sidelines, a movement to mobilize women to participate in politics, set the local and national policy agenda and hold elected leaders accountable. Together, we've elevated hundreds of incredible candidates — uplifting their stories and providing their campaigns with powerful grassroots resources.

But this is unfinished business. Women are still incredibly underrepresented at all levels of government. We can't sit by and let our voices be drowned out. That's why, as we celebrate International Women's Day, I'm personally asking you to make a donation to Off The Sidelines so that we can elect more women up and down the ballot, achieve progress on the issues that matter most and finally ensure that our voices are heard — loud and clear. Please, will you chip in now?

Thank you for standing with me in this fight — and for investing in the dreams of ambitious, bold 10-year-old girls everywhere.

With love,

Kirsten