A total of 545 responses were received to a questionnaire administered to volunteers representing 36 volunteer agencies throughout the country. Volunteers were found to be predominantly white (81 percent) and well-educated (84 percent had some formal education beyond high school). A total of 43 percent were males; the age distribution covered several decades. The desire to help others was the strongest motivational factor for volunteers; other strong factors related to desires for personal involvement and development. Most volunteer activity involves performing client services that do not require any special training, such as providing transportation, helping clients to obtain employment, and assisting in involving clients in educational programs. Providing informal counseling in the context of a friendship with a client is a prevalent volunteer activity. Volunteers generally desired expanded participation in more complex activities. While 81 percent of the volunteers surveyed had received some training before they assumed their duties, only 53 percent regarded the training as adequate. The greatest source of satisfaction for volunteers was the knowledge that they had helped other (75 percent), seeing positive results from their efforts (42 percent), and feeling needed (40 percent). Professional staff members involved in programs that will use volunteers must learn to accept volunteers as effective workers and allow them to expand their roles. Crucial factors in volunteer retention are effective training; recognition of efforts; and good staff-volunteer relationships. Tabular data and notes are provided.