Nov. 17, 2001 – Alanis Morissette will be honored by the Friends of the United Nations with a Global Tolerance Award Tuesday, December 11 in New York City. According to the organization, the singer/songwriter is being recognized her contributions to promoting tolerance through the arts and through her personal life and activities. The presentation, which coincides with the U.N.'s Human Rights Day, will take place at the United Nations Delegates Dining Room with expected attendance by senior U.N. personnel, members of the diplomatic community and key representatives of the private and civil society sectors.

In addition to working on her new album Under Rug Swept (planned for early 2002 release), Alanis has performed at various recent benefits, including the televised John Lennon tribute from New York City (raising funds to support gun control and assist victims of the September 11 attacks); Toronto's Music Without Borders event (generating money for the United Nations Donor Alert Appeal, aiding refugees of the conflict in Afghanistan); and Seattle's Groundworks (benefiting the organization Act To Reduce Hunger).

With over 40 million albums sold worldwide, the seven-time Grammy Award winner's universal appeal has led to a unique connection with fans and extensive overseas touring. During her summer 2000 trek through the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Alanis documented visits and performances in 15 countries (including Lebanon, Croatia and Turkey) over the Internet. In most regions, a young ambassador escorted Alanis beyond the usual tourist attractions to see historical, cultural and political sites while sharing native customs and beliefs. Alanis wrapped up the tour with a special acoustic performance and question-and-answer session at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, which is dedicated to teaching youth the importance of accepting diversity and sharing cultures. Earlier that same year, Alanis performed in Rome for Pope John Paul II and 300,000 youth at the Great Jubilee Concert For A Debt-Free World (to bring attention to the world's poorest nations and the need for social justice). Her worldwide travels also brought Alanis to Cuba in 1998 on a cultural exchange journey whereby North American artists had the chance to meet the people, including students, of that country.