Voluntarism has played, and will continue to play, a major role in helping run small New England communities. A study of voluntarism in local government for an eight-town area in New Hampshire--conducted during late 1978 and early 1979--revealed characteristics and motivations of volunteers as well as costs and benefits of these services to local communities. Findings indicated the typical volunteer was male, 51 years old, married, owned a single family home, had lived in his current town for about 15 years, and had served on an average of 3 committees while living in the community. Respondents volunteered their services to enhance their local prestige or to serve the community. Those desiring to enhance their local prestige were motivated by setting an example for others, receiving monetary compensation, making new acquaintances, and increasing business. Respondents wanting to serve the community were motivated by a desire to contribute a professional skill to the town, dissatisfaction with the way things were currently run, and concern that the community needed new ideas and better services. Despite significant differences between these two groups, the towns realized a savings of almost $50,000 through collective volunteer efforts. (Author/NEC)