An ongoing debate exists on the issue of volunteering and its political implications in West Germany. Critics of the social welfare system have a direct impact on volunteerism. The ruling coalition aims to limit public spending in the social services sector while the "grassroots" movement emphasizes the danger of state-provided services and claims that decentralized services are more effective than the public welfare system. More women than men volunteer. This is seen as an attempt to devalue the work women do and displace them from the job market, since the typical volunteer often has a history of serving in unpaid positions. Among the motivating factors for volunteer work are a sense of gratitude and obligation, contributing to improvement, desire for social contact, and gaining influence and power, among the rewards are recognition and personal growth. Factors in discontinuance of volunteer work are: (1) hurt feelings and personal conflict, (2) planned succession, (3) burn out, (4) change of priorities, and (5) lack of friends within the organizations. Among the eight recommendations for future volunteer recruitment and retention are: making volunteers feel a part of the organization; organization staff needs to become personally acquainted with volunteers; and volunteers should have the opportunity for new learning and experiences. (NL)