I was recently given the opportunity to write a blog on a Standards for Excellence® Seal Holder I was particularly passionate about. Without a doubt in mind, I chose the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. At exactly 10:45am on October 19, 2016 I decided to call Sue Early, the organization’s Executive Director. One short ring and I heard the voice on the other end. “This is Sue.” Pleasantly surprised to get an immediate answer, I replied, “Hi Sue this is Ashley Reillo, I’m an intern for The Standards for Excellence Institute® and I’d like to write a blog on your organization, do you have a minute?” I asked. “Yes, yes, but this is a very busy time for us. Our Film Festival is coming up next month.” I could sense the workload she probably had on her plate at the moment so I got right to the point. 

Before I share our conversation, you should know a little background about this inspirational organization. In 1997, a group of passionate locals with a similar love for the cinematic arts, joined together to discuss the future of film screenings in their town. They wanted an area where they could show independent films to anyone interested. Soon creating a group of near 30 people, they realized they had more like-minded people in their town then they thought. Meeting up with the same idea in mind, the tradition blossomed into a growing community. One year later, they created their first film festival.

The Rehoboth Beach Society Film Festival

So I began my conversation with Sue regarding a number of topics. The one I was most excited for regarded The Society’s Film Festival. The Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s Film Festival names itself as the “oldest and largest event of its kind in the State of Delaware.” It’s a little over 9 days long featuring not only independent film screenings but also provides a space of creativity and education for everyone. This year, the film festival is November 4^th through the 12^th. While the Film Festival will be featured in several locations such as Cape Henlopen High School and Metropolitan Community Church Rehoboth, the truly exciting venue is at the Film Society’s very own theater, Cinema Art Theater located on 17701 Dartmouth Drive. 

The Film Society hasn’t always had their own theater. During the Film Society’s existence, before 2014, the members had to tirelessly look for spaces to show their independent films. “We had to show our films in restaurants, churches, schools, any venue that would have us.” However frustrating it may have been, they remained dedicated to their cause, and managed to find a way.

RBFS’s Affiliation with The Standards for Excellence Institute

While the Standards for Excellence Institute is the ideal institute for promoting “the highest standards of ethics, effectiveness, and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, and operations,” Sue has experience working with these kinds of institutions. The organization, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA) has the same idea in mind. “We started off promoting group health and dental insurance for nonprofits,” Sue explained. “However, now it’s focus is to offer training for nonprofits.” As of March 2010, DANA focuses on making compelling recommendations to nonprofits facing obstacles. They also bring light to some of the opportunities nonprofits may have while working on strategies to overcome them.

Sue expressed great gratitude to The Standards for Excellence Institute. In 2013, the Society became a part of the Standards for Excellence family as a Standards Basics member. Passing this first tier, the Society was given recognition for legal and regulatory compliance a nonprofit should have in order to run ethically and efficiently. Running smoothly for a year after that, the Society realized they weren’t receiving the funding and publicity they knew they needed. In 2014, they decided to become fully Accredited. This accreditation was the seal of approval they needed. Sue shared with me her experience obtaining the seal for the society and its many benefits “The evaluation of our board members was really effective.” Sue explained. “…and when some people see the seal, they’re really impressed and provide funding!” The funding the society has received over the last few years and the new accreditation was exactly what they needed to find their own theater. On March 17^th, 2016 the society opened The Cinema Art Theater, home to the Film Festival.

The Importance of the Cinematic Arts and Nonprofits

The involvement of cinematic arts and independent film is “one of the most effective communication tools,” Sue explained. “It helps educate about culture and political issues.” Sue's passion is exactly what The Film Society represents. The passion that goes into creating film and wanting to share it with your community has positive impacts on everyone involved. 

Furthermore, Sue explains that “nonprofits are vital to a healthy community” and recommends that all nonprofits go through this accreditation. Because even though the Rehoboth Film Society is built on the foundation of their mission, “to promote cinematic arts while providing education and cultural enrichment” for their community, this accreditation has been an effective factor in their ability to say “We have an identity now.” 

For more information, please visit www.rehobothfilm.com. I also encourage everyone to attend their Film Festival, coming up in November from the 4^th until the 12^th, 2016.