Launched in 2018, Necessary Behavior began as any good organization does — with an idea. As founder and CEO, Zoe Waters dreamt up an organization dedicated to social justice, sharing educational resources, and creating a safer future for everyone. Yet there was one problem: what would it be named? After months of pondering, one day, while Zoe sat in a lecture hall, a professor proposed the iconic name we have today — Necessary Behavior.

Now, with a name, nothing was stopping this idea from becoming reality. Immediately, the brand name was used to create social media, business documents were filed, a website was created and Necessary Behavior was launched. The first social posts were shared and articles began to be uploaded to the website. We began designing and selling merch. Necessary Behavior was officially born.

In 2019, as the brand began to expand, it underwent some changes. More captivating images were posted to garner more public attention and we were finally able to hire our first interns. The team expanded and new ideas were implemented to grow the brand and its outreach. A new website was created and the future was brighter than ever!

2020 started with a bang as the first episode of our podcast launched. Things took a turn with COVID-19, but as everything shut down Necessary Behavior only continued to grow. After receiving over 300 applicants for internships, Necessary Behavior developed a larger team dedicated to engaging in critical social matters. 2020 ignited public interest in social justice and the brand continued to grow!

At the beginning of 2021, our podcast Lemon-Aid relaunched with segments committed to sexual education — Squirt — and reducing the stigma surrounding cannabis — Lemon OG. In May, we launched our first campaign committed to encouraging as many people as possible to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, our shop expanded to Facebook and Instagram and our products were more accessible than ever!

In 2022, the work continued with a second season of our podcast, more merch drops, and our website redesign. we enhanced our team structure. We moved into a four-day work week and started integrating more collaboration across departments.

As we move forward into 2024 and beyond, Necessary Behavior seeks to continue to promote education and awareness by speaking out against unhealthy social norms. We plan to discuss more critical topics in real time and expand our job training and career development opportunities, while strengthening our financial support for social causes.

Consent is required in all spaces.

Consent is an important part of any relationship, whether it's between two people or between an organization and its supporters. Consent is required in all spaces to establish trust and respect between people and to ensure that everyone is comfortable and safe. Without consent, people can be taken advantage of or put in an uncomfortable situation. Consent also allows us to have honest and open conversations about boundaries and expectations. It's important to remember that consent is always required, no matter the context or situation.

Community and solidarity are a priority.

Community and solidarity are essential for creating a strong foundation for society. They create a sense of belonging and support for individuals, which helps to reduce feelings of social isolation, promotes emotional resilience, and builds trust between people. Additionally, communal support networks encourage civic engagement, foster meaningful connections, and create an environment of cooperation and collaboration. Without a sense of community and solidarity, our society would be more divided and less likely to work together to solve pressing issues.

There is no place for discrimination and oppression in any community or system.

Discrimination and oppression are unacceptable practices that go against the basic principles of justice and equality. No community or system should condone any form of discrimination or oppression since it denies people the right to be respected and to pursue their basic human rights. To ensure that these principles are upheld, it is important for communities and systems to have clear rules and regulations in place to prevent any unlawful discrimination or oppressive behavior. Furthermore, it is essential that people are educated on these issues and understand the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Diversity is essential. Everyone should have a voice.

Diversity is essential because it creates an environment where everyone feels included, respected, and heard. When everyone has a voice, it allows for more perspectives and ideas to come together. People from different backgrounds and experiences bring new insights and solutions to complex problems, leading to innovation and progress. Furthermore, having a diverse population and recognizing the value of everyone’s contributions fosters a stronger sense of community, understanding, and respect. Having a voice and being respected helps people feel valued and connected to their peers, which creates a more positive and productive environment.

No one is free until we are all free.

This is a powerful statement coined by the Combahee River Collective that reminds us that we must work together to bring about true freedom for everyone. It means that we must stand in solidarity with one another, no matter our race, gender, ethnicity, or any other differences we may have. We must recognize the injustices experienced by others and take action to create a more equitable society. By standing together and advocating for fairness and justice, we can ensure that no one is left behind.

Necessary Behavior, through our social media, podcast, and website, provides individuals looking to create social change with the resources and information necessary to challenge current social norms and take action against harmful behaviors. Throughout our multiple platforms, we have reached [thousands] of people and that number is only increasing. More people than ever are engaging with our content and receiving educational resources.

Necessary Behavior is not afraid to put our money where our mouth is! All merch and other profits made are either recycled back into the company or donated to organizations we support that aid marginalized individuals. 50% of all profits are donated to BLM organizations and previously, the Navajo Nation COVID-19 relief fund.

Our organization fosters job training for people with an alternative work environment that revolutionizes the way workspaces operate. With a non-hierarchical structure and four day work week, Necessary Behavior is dedicated to employing and training entry-level career professionals by providing the tools and resources needed to both students and non-students who seek experience. During our operation, we have employed and trained hundreds of diverse individuals aiding them in their transition to their future careers!