What Do We Do Here?

We are for teens. By teens.

PEA stands for Personal Effectiveness Association, a certified 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization designed to support and improve individual mental health through exercise and knowledge of fitness and nutrition. Whether you are an athlete, or have never been to the gym, this is the place for you.  

As high-schoolers, we've noticed there are limited opportunities for teenagers to address anxieties and everyday worries. Local Texas teens are invited to join us as we go on runs, do yoga, and explore various bodyweight exercises together while communicating about whatever may be on your mind in this safe environment. 

Learn more about us and our mission here

yoga, bodyweight exercises, running

open peer dialogue

Though we may not be professionals...

...we understand the power that setting and accomplishing goals has on building self-confidence along with the importance of having a friendly face to talk to because we are high-schoolers too. Our goal is to help create life-long health habits and, locally, provide a friendly atmosphere in order to help teens manage their day-to-day stressors. 

Our approach is based on scientific studies that document the benefits that exercise and open dialogue have for relieving stress and other mental ailments [1, 2] as well as the proven ability of client-run mental health communities to provide successful outcomes for their members [3].

That said, there are a few things we expect of those who choose to join our peer community. Everyone participates voluntarily at their own risk, so please be respectful of others, and come willing to join by moving, listening and sharing in the activities planned. 

References:[1] Sapolsky, Robert M.. Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: A Guide to Stress, Stress Related Diseases, and Coping. United States, W.H. Freeman, 1994., pp. 265-267.[2] Whitaker, Robert. Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America. United States, Crown,  2011, pp. 343-347.[3] Mosher, Loren R., Burti, Lorenzo, Community Mental Health: A Practical Guide. United States, W. W. Norton, 1994, pp. 25-26, 101.
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Fix YOUR Life NOW With PEA!

The PEA Event Calendar includes events from all of our chapters! Some months may have less events available because of popular travel times or major school exams. 

UPDATES:

Applications are open NOW to become a UYT panelist!

The applications for becoming a teen panelist in our “Understanding Your Teen” program is officially open! Join us to become a part of making a change in parent teen relations step by step. 

Welcome... FULSHEAR CHAPTER

Fulshear, TX

Read all about their chapter leader and upcoming events here!!

COLLAB: Walk to End Alzheimer's with DeBakey Neuroscience

Snapshot of event information:

University of Houston Lynn Eusan Park (4800 Calhoun Rd. Houston, TX 77004)

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Event starts 8 am; Opening Ceremony 9:15 am; Walk (3 miles) starts 9:30 am

Help us raise $1.2 million for the Alzheimer's Association!

We raised over $1000 and sold 45 tickets fundraising for the new initiative Understanding Your Teen 101 which aims to provide resources for teachers, parents, and teens alike to read between the grunts and door slams. The initiative will feature regular events with teen panels, online and physical resources such as our online forum and brochures, a teen-lingo dictionary, and parent/teacher support groups. Together, we hope to strengthen adult-teen relationships because your teen's future starts with your understanding.

Our event featured three guest speakers — Cameron Hunter, founder and CEO of the Restoration House of Houston, shared his journey working through homelessness and later creating a foundation to help families facing homelessness as well; Zamaria Venzant, founder and licensed counselor of Embracing Minds, talked about the key signs in recognizing teen mental illness and accessible, simple ways to address it; and Loraine Sorilla, a current junior in high school, bravely shared her personal mental health journey and the ways she overcame even her lowest point — as well as a speech by co-founders Siena Bush and Mahika Joshi who discussed the new initiative Understanding Your Teen 101 and why teen mental health is especially important today.

We had a $100-valued Cane's Gift Basket raffled off to a beloved teacher and guest Mr. Stewart!

After the speeches, our guests enjoyed veggie sliders, Cane's chicken nuggets, chips, and fruits and vegetables while socializing, playing cornhole, soccer, badminton, and football, and while learning a self-defense martial arts moves from a team of experienced MMA fighters. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us and we look forward to seeing yall at our coming events!

PEA is now a Certified Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award!

Welcome... MEMORIAL CHAPTER

Memorial, TX

Read all about their chapter leader and upcoming events here!!

We don't have 52 PEA puns for you today, but we do have infinite gratitude. In one year, we've expanded to five chapters, 15+ writers and editors, and 5 managers. In the next year, we're launching a big fundraiser, a new initiative for parent-teenager relationships, and a partnership with Restoration House, a local temporary living facility for homeless families. 

While we don't have 52 jokes, we have 17 minutes of a meal leaving much-to-be-desired and light-hearted responses to questions our followers submitted on Instagram. Thank you for all of your support, we look forward to making more anniversary videos for years to come.

Above is an interview with a licensed counselor about understanding and managing teen and adult mental health. 

The Light Up Project & Eunoia Global Health & Have a Nice Day

30 Day Fitness Challenge and Fundraiser

This initiative aims to highlight the significant benefits of outdoor activities in mental health. Over the next 30 days, embark on fun and engaging outdoor adventures designed to uplift your spirit while raising funds for mental health awareness. Let's get moving, enjoy the great outdoors, and make a positive impact together!

PEA presents New Series ft. Teen Ambassadors from around the World.

Ink and Insight: A Mental Health Writing Competition

PEA is partnering with MedMind for an INTERNATIONAL mental health writing competition! Participants will have a variety of categories to select from including creative writing, a general research paper on disease, a medical solution proposal (theoretical), or a biography of someone with a disease or a doctor who’s worked with disease and furthered research including the history of it.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive a certificate, be published on our Instagram and website (winners; image + actual submission) and receive volunteer hours (10, 7, 5) respectively.

PEA has Sweatshirts!

Mint and Dark Green

$32 + no shipping fee!

PEA also has stress balls!

Original/Happy, Pleased, Blushing/Kissy, Grumpy

$10 + no shipping fee!

PEA also also has keychains!

Various shades of green

$15 + no shipping fee!

May 2024  - PEA Published on Candid

PEA is a partner with HWS! Check out our joint events!

May 2024 Buzz Magazine PEA feature

May 2024 PEA featured in West University Buzz Magazine!

WELCOMING...WEST U CHAPTER

West University, TX

Read all about their chapter leader and upcoming events here!!

WELCOMING... SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

Westbury & Meyerland, TX

Read all about their chapter leader and upcoming events here!!

WELCOMING... CYPRESS CHAPTER

Cypress, TX

Read all about their chapter leader and upcoming events here!!

WELCOMING... BELLAIRE CHAPTER

Belliaire, TX

Read all about their chapter leader and upcoming events here!!

February 2024 River Oaks Stroll Magazine PEA feature.pdf

February 2024 PEA featured in River Oaks community Stroll Magazine!