Using a problem and solution tree

These visual tools help you and your group identify your shared issues and ideas for change.

A problem tree helps you understand what caused the housing issue and its impact on the local community.

A solution tree helps you set your 'big picture' vision, your long term solution. It can help you map out all the smaller changes needed to achieve the vision. You can also identify what positive impact these changes would have on your local community.

The purpose

Creating a problem and solution tree can help you articulate big and often systemic issues more clearly. It also enables you to show why these issues need to be addressed and identify possible solutions.

Creating a problem tree

Issue

Have one issue as the trunk of the tree. This is the big problem you would like to solve.

Causes

At the roots of your tree, think about what causes this issue. Include everything you can think of. For example:

a lack of accountability
not enough resources
no laws in place to protect you
not enough support in place

Consequences

On the branches of the tree write down all the consequences of the issue. These can be very direct visible effects or knock-on effects that might not be as obvious. For example, you could consider how the issue is impacting people’s health or wellbeing.

Thinking about the effects of the issue can help you say why your campaign issue is important and why it needs to change.

After mapping out your problem tree you can decide which causes you want to tackle first.

A visual representation of a tree. The trunk represents the big issue. The roots represent the root causes of the issue. The branches are the consequences of the issue.

Creating a solution tree

Vision

Write down your group’s big picture vision that you want to achieve. This is the trunk of your solution tree. This will become your long term campaign goal.

Solutions

At the roots of your tree, add all the small changes that need to happen in order for you to achieve your vision.

Your group can then select some of the changes that they can influence. These will become your group’s short and medium term campaign goals.

Effects

Write out what the impact would be on your local community if your vision became a reality. These effects become the solution tree’s branches.

This will help you communicate to people why it is so important you achieve your goals.

A visual representation of a tree. The trunk represents your vision. The roots represent the steps you need to take to achieve your vision. The branches are the positive outcome.

Using your problem and solution tree

Refer to your problem and solution tree when writing information about your campaign, developing your campaign strategy and more.

Next steps

You and your group now need to identify who has the power to make these changes.

Download people, issues and practical solutions worksheet (202kb pdf)

Your local community organiser can help identify who has the power to help you achieve your goals.

Email housingrightsdefenders@shelter.org.uk to be connected with your local organiser.