By Paula Arellano Geoffroy, 19 May 2025
The Encyclopedia Britannica explains that interest groups are a natural outgrowth of the communities – people with common interests living in a particular area – that exist in all societies. ‘Most interest groups are not formed for political purposes. They usually develop to promote programs and disseminate information to enhance the professional, business, social, or avocational interests of their members.’
SENSE currently has ten Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that meet in person or online and whose meetings are open to all members. Guests are welcome to attend one or two meetings before deciding whether they would like to join SENSE.
This week, I invite you to meet the Amsterdam SIG and its conveners, Tina Manousakis and Samuel Murray.
The Amsterdam SIG experienced a revival last year thanks to you both. Can you tell us a bit about where you are from and about your backgrounds?
Tina: I came to Amsterdam eight years ago from the US, though I also hold Greek citizenship. I am a self-described ‘lovepat’. I moved here for my partner, who is Dutch. I have been a lurking member of SENSE since I first got here.
Samuel: I’m an English-Afrikaans freelance translator, originally from South Africa. I’ve been a member of SENSE since around 2016, and I’ve served on SENSE’s Executive Committee (EC) as Web Manager (four years) and interim Content Manager (one year). I have a Dutch wife and two children aged 22 and 23.
How did you hear about SENSE and why did you decide to join?
Tina: I was surfing the internet for English language jobs and came across the website. Since I am not a translator, but rather an English trainer, I emailed SENSE and asked if it would be OK to join. After I was told that there were other English language teachers, I joined so that I could find a community.
Samuel: I believe I have known about SENSE since around 2010, but did not join because I’m not a native speaker of English. I can’t remember what prompted me to join.
What made you volunteer as Amsterdam SIG conveners? Are you enjoying the experience?
Tina: Samuel asked me to help out, and being part of the organizing team of a group is something I am pretty comfortable with. It’s been great fun so far.
Samuel: As an EC member I was in a position to assist Alison Fisher (the previous convener) with recreating the Amsterdam SIG. I originally said that I would help organize only three or four meetings, on the assumption that two other Amsterdam members would step up as conveners. Tina volunteered at the first meeting. I think Tina and I make a good team, however, and I’ll likely continue to help organize the SIG meetings for the foreseeable future. I’m fortunate in that the SIG kind of runs itself – since our meetings don’t have a CPD component yet, there is very little to arrange except making sure that all the Ts are crossed.
I believe you usually meet once a month at the Stadsbar on the 7th floor of the Amsterdam Public Library. What are the main topics you bring to the table?
Tina: There are no topics as this is an informal chat environment and we have talked about everything from our professional experiences to current events and books.
Samuel: The Amsterdam SIG meetings are currently informal get-togethers, so we end up discussing literally anything. Sometimes the discussions are language-related but sometimes they are culture-related, and sometimes they relate to an experience that one of the attendees had.
What can people expect when they join you at the Stadsbar?
Tina: Food, drink, and scintillating conversation of course.
Samuel: We’re a group of people who share an interest in language work. We enjoy learning about each other’s lives and experiences. There is a small selection of beers and wines and some food is served from the kitchen until around 19:00.
Are you good readers? Can you recommend us something interesting?
Tina: I am currently reading a Da Vinci Code-esque adventure called ‘The Medici Return’ by Steve Berry. It’s early days but I am enjoying it. The last book I read was ‘I Hope This Finds You Well’ by Natalie Sue. If you like workplace angst fiction, then this one’s for you. And for high fantasy fans, I also recommend ‘The Deverry Cycle’ by Katharine Kerr. I am only on book 5 out of 16 but am loving the themes in the series so far.
Samuel: I currently have two books in my bag when I’m on the train: a little coming-of-age gem by Patrice Villalobos called ‘Une jeunesse’ and an interesting tome by Hans Melissen and co-conspirator called ‘Iedereen rijk’ about money from heaven.
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Blog post by: Paula Arellano Geoffroy |
