What is Authentic Voices of North Dakota?

We are a North-Dakota-based collective of survivors and supporters who seek to protect children and educate adults by sharing our authentic voices.

What Does Authentic Voices Do?

We write. We share. We speak.

We write: We recently published a collection of creative writings by North Dakota authors who are survivors of childhood abuse and sexual assault. AUTHENTIC VOICES is a poignant collection of poetry, rants, lyrics, and short stories. The authors are male and female, span many generations, and come from all regions of North Dakota. By popular demand, we have also released a READERS' GUIDE to help our readers teach, learn, and speak.

We share: We give our books away at events across North Dakota.

We speak: We offer public readings and conversations to change the culture of silence about child abuse and assault.

Can I Find You on Facebook?

Yes, you can find Authentic Voices on Facebook and stay current on book signings, readings, and events.

How Can I Reach You?

For more information, to schedule a book signing, or to order a free copy of AUTHENTIC VOICES or the READERS' GUIDE, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 701-223-9052.

Can I Follow Authentic Voices in the News?

Yes. Here are a few recent stories...

MAY 2012: 

Bismarck, N.D. -- "Preventing child abuse in our communities is a journey," says Tim Hathaway, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota (PCAND). "Many people want to be a part of this journey, but they often don't know where to begin. One of the best places to start is by listening, really listening, to the voices of survivors -- and supporting survivors to be our teachers and advisors."

That's where "Authentic Voices" comes in. "Authentic Voices" is a poignant collection of original poetry and creative essays, edited and compiled by Archibald Bush Artist Fellow Karen Van Fossan. Released by Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota (PCAND) last fall, it features poetry, rants, lyrics, and short stories by North Dakota authors who have survived childhood sexual assault or abuse -- or have loved ones facing these struggles. The authors are women and men, span many generations, and come from all regions of North Dakota.

The public response to "Authentic Voices" has been profound. To date, "Authentic Voices" authors have signed and distributed more than 1,000 copies of the book, have offered public presentations and readings across the state, and have assisted in developing a newly-released "Readers' Guide."

"The 'Readers' Guide' is meant for any reader who wants to turn reading 'Authentic Voices' into action," says Karen Van Fossan. "We developed this guide because our readers asked for one. They had questions like, 'How can I use the book to teach about child abuse prevention?' 'How can I get involved in child abuse prevention, right now, today?' 'Where can struggling parents get real help in North Dakota?' The 'Readers' Guide' is only a few pages long, but we think it's a thorough guidebook for the journey toward child abuse prevention."

Currently, both the "Readers' Guide" and "Authentic Voices" are available, free of charge, through Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota. Copies can be requested by contacting 701.223.9052 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Heather Pautz, poet and co-author of "Authentic Voices" says, "Yes, child abuse and neglect happens in North Dakota and has for many years. But together, as survivors, we share our stories. Together, as community members, we work to bring about peace and safety in each child's life."

This project was completed with support from the North Dakota Department of Human Services.

APRIL 2012: 

Authentic Voices authors give a lively public reading at Mayville State University -- and meet the winners of the essay contest, "If I came back to Mayville in 10 years, and child abuse was eliminated, what would life be like?"

JUNE 2011:

Authentic Voices announces publication of the first-ever collection of original writings -- called "Authentic Voices" -- by North Dakota survivors of childhood abuse and sexual assault.

MAY 2011:

The Authentic Voices project calls for creative contributions to the "Authentic Voices" publication.