This book reports the results of a 1978 study of minority participation in programs under the Older Americans Act (OAA) in six communities: Cleveland, OH; Bridgeport, CT; Tucson, AZ; Tulsa, OK; San Francisco, CA; and Honolulu, HI. It focuses on programs funded under Title III of the OAA which provides meals and social services. Following the introduction, the report presents a historical perspective of the Federal role in providing services to older persons. The findings for each of the six communities are discussed in the text and presented in tables corresponding to each category of discussion including: (1) a demographic profile; (2) employment practices including recruitment, hiring, and promotion of minorities; (3) minority organizations represented; (4) minority participation in five major service categories; and (5) program characteristics that appear to facilitate or impede minority participation. A discussion of service planning and evaluation procedures is provided and results of the investigation are summarized. A glossary of terms used in the report is also included. (JAC)