Social Responsibility

We are committed to doing our part to be socially responsible

The Avalon is not only dedicated to being a film center located in Chevy Chase, DC that draws patrons from all over the DMV, we’re also committed to making our community a better place.

We Went Solar!
In 2023, the Avalon installed solar panels on the roof of the historic theater.
 

• 100% Renewable energy source, solar panels help to cut down on water and air pollution.
• 275,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions will be eliminated every year. That’s like planting 2,000 trees!
• $18,000 will be saved in electricity costs every year and solar credits of $25,000 will be put toward theater improvements and programming for our community.

Little Changes that Make a BIG Impact

• We’ve upgraded our HVAC systems to be more energy efficient.
• The Avalon has converted 95% of our light bulbs to LED which are more energy efficient and last much longer.
• Our theater has switched to compostable cups.
• As a part of the DC Reduces BYO initiative, we encourage guests to bring their own reusable beverage containers and take advantage of our water filtration station located in the Avalon 2 lobby.
• We recycle cups, plastic bottles, paper and cardboard.

For over a decade, the Avalon has proudly welcomed tens of thousands of students across DC’s eight wards to participate in Cinema Classroom at the Avalon. This program engages students in critical social justice issues through screenings and expert-guided discussions.

• This FREE in-theater program welcomes 6th through 12th grade students.
• Teachers are provided with an expanded curriculum linked to DCPS standards in advance of each screening.
• We invite a subject matter expert to engage with the students after each film.

• The Avalon promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in its programming, hiring, Board makeup and general business practices.
• The Cinema Classroom at the Avalon program provides FREE bus transportation to DC public and charter school students from across DC so all can access our educational film series.
• In 2013, we installed an elevator to provide universal access to the Avalon 2 theater.
• We added wheelchair accessible restrooms in the Avalon café in 2005 and made the Avalon 2 restrooms accessible in 2013.
• We provide assisted listening devices to guests with hearing and visual impairments.
• We regularly show open captioned films, when made available by film distributors, to accommodate guests who may be hearing impaired.  Our Senior Cinema Thursday program screens films with open captions  every month.

The Avalon has engaged in the following efforts to make a positive impact on our neighborhood and continues to look for ways to bring our best to the community that we so proudly serve.

• Cinema Classroom at the Avalon: For over a decade, the Avalon has proudly welcomed tens of thousands of students across DC’s eight wards to participate in This program engages students in critical social justice issues through screenings and expert-guided discussions. 
• We Broaden our community engagement by making our theaters available for screening to local filmmakers, nonprofits and school groups.
• We Take Part in Chevy Chase DC Day, Halloween Spooktacular, District Bridges/Chevy Chase Main Street and other community-focused initiatives and special events.
• We Support the Lafayette Elementary School School  and the Chevy Chase ArtWalk.

• We Support local school and nonprofit auctions by providing them a free A Night at the Movies ticket and popcorn package.
• We Celebrate the Young and Young at Heart with programs like Weekend Family Matinees and Senior Cinema Thursday.
• We bring arts, culture, science and international programming to Northwest DC through our Exhibition on Screen, National Theatre Live, Science on Screen and Wednesday Signature Series programs.  
• We Bring Film Events to our community that feature fascinating Q&A sessions with subject matter experts.