Awakening Awareness through AntiRacism and the 16 Guidelines
Featuring: Jane Lewis
In this article, we’re shining a light on the impactful work of Jane Lewis, a facilitator, consultant and anti-discrimination trainer whose AntiRacism work in Australia is helping white Australians move beyond guilt and defensiveness, and into the lifelong practice of unlearning.
With a background in entertainment, psychology and critical thinking, Jane brings a unique blend of insight and empathy to her work. For over twelve years, she has delivered truth-telling 101 workshops for white Australians—often the first real opportunity participants have had to sit with the uncomfortable truths of Australia’s history, and their place within it.
Jane’s collaboration with Wakaya man Professor Yin Paradies, a leading race scholar and the mind behind Reflexive AntiRacism, has been key to the development of her training. Together, they contributed to AntiRacism materials for the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, helping bring this essential education into workplaces and public institutions.
At the heart of her sessions is a gentle but unwavering invitation to reflect. Using carefully chosen videos, guided exercises and open dialogue, Jane encourages participants to look beyond the familiar reactions of “I’m not racist!” and explore how racism shows up in body, speech and mind, often unconsciously. She creates a space that is challenging, yet rooted in compassion and possibility.
The Role of the 16 Guidelines
A powerful feature of Jane’s workshops is the use of specially designed 16 Guidelines cards. These tools are more than just visual prompts—they act as anchors for reflection and transformation, inviting participants to re-frame their thinking through qualities like Humility, Patience, Right Speech, and Courage.
“The 16G cards help soften the blow”, Jane explains. “They introduce positive social norms and offer people a path forward—not just what not to do, but how to be.”
The four wisdom themes of the 16 Guidelines—How we think, act, relate, and find meaning—are deeply woven into Jane’s methodology. The reflection they prompt goes far beyond surface-level discussion. Participants often leave with a new sense of clarity, responsibility, and resolve.
One recent participant shared:
“I will remember this workshop always, and am holding in my mind how to keep the lessons active and practiced each and every day.”
And Justin Mohamed, Australia’s first Ambassador for First Nations Peoples and former Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, once wrote to Jane:
“The AntiRacism work you do is very powerful. Don’t stop what you are doing.”
From Workshops to Wider Community Work
Jane’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. She has worked closely with the FDCW, delivering a session with board member Martin Ström at the International Mindfulness Conference 2022, highlighting how AntiRacism intersects with mindfulness and secular ethics. This session helped bring the 16 Guidelines into the global mindfulness conversation, showing how ancient wisdom can inform very modern challenges.
Alongside this, Jane also supports the coordination and promotion of the 21 Taras Thangka, a monumental artwork by Peter Iseli, commissioned by Lama Zopa Rinpoche and gifted to Tara Institute. This vibrant depiction of the 21 Taras is shown at public events across Australia, including at Melbourne Town Hall during the 2023 Vesak commemorations.
Watch the short video here.
A Lifelong Practice
Participants have described being moved in ways they didn’t expect, and feeling inspired to continue the work in their own communities, families and workplaces.
What stands out most is Jane’s ability to hold space with both tenderness and courage. She doesn’t shy away from discomfort, but she also doesn’t abandon those who are just beginning their journey. With tools like the 16 Guidelines and her own grounded presence, she helps people move from paralysis to purpose.
We’re grateful to Jane Lewis for her commitment to awareness, transformation and ethical action. Her work is an example of what it means to think, act, relate and find meaning with compassion and wisdom.
Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW)
At FDCW, we are committed to a more compassionate, wiser world. We provide resources, courses and training to develop qualities such as kindness, patience and honesty – qualities that are essential for meeting the challenges of the world we all share.
The Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom (FDCW) was established as a global charity based in London in 2005. Since then, we have provided secular training, programmes and resources across many sectors of society – schools, universities, hospices, workplaces, healthcare, youth groups and community centres. Our courses have reached thousands of people across the world through our dedicated and growing network of facilitators in more than 20 countries.
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