Purpose of the research was to identify some personal and program variables which might be manipulated in the future to increase the number of dependable student volunteers. (Author)

Reports on a national program that provides free books to underprivileged children in hopes of increasing their interest in reading and their ability to read. (VJ)

Projects a view of the outcome of a massive, concerted effort to abolish illiteracy, and discusses the role of the National Reading Council and its National Reading Center in the Right to Read effort. (VJ)

Examines HELP, a tutorial program in Jersey City, New Jersey, which utilizes high school students as reading teachers for disadvantaged grade school students. The student teachers had only average academic ability and limited training, but results suggested that both students and teachers gained significantly from the experience. (RW)

Reprints from: E.H. Fischer, Department of Psychology, Connecticut Valley Hospital, Middletown, Connecticut 06457.

Research supported by the U.S. Office of Education.

A 62-mile relay run from the campus of Southeastern Massachusetts University to a rally at the State House in Boston was the culmination of a grassroots effort to counteract state funding cuts that would have forced a layoff of 100 employees and reduced the next entering class by half. (MLW)

Examines feasible outcomes and practical limitations of service learning as an approach for increasing the involvement of students in providing services to older persons. Based on findings from a national demonstration project, types of services students can perform are described and various types of service learning are explored. (Author/JAC)

Telephone surveys are faster and only slightly more expensive than surveying by mail. One successful effort involved planning, setting objectives, studying market research techniques, drafting a questionnaire, using computers when feasible, sending a presurvey mailing, doing the calling, and preparing a final report. (MSE)

Reviews the literature in volunteering as it relates to a university credit course for students volunteering in human services agencies. Discusses the development of the program, along with the advantages to students, agencies, and the university. (Author/RC)

Volunteer workers over sixty-five were compared to retired elderly who did not engage in work activity. Volunteers had significantly higher degree of life satisfaction, stronger will to live, and fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization. No differences were found on demographics or background. (Author)