Increasing demands for human services and current government fiscal policies may make volunteerism the major way of improving the individual living conditions and society as a whole. Extension agents are in the front line of persons capable of developing volunteerism at the local level. They have a direct link with local citizens and are familiar with existing local socioeconomic environments and needs. The leadership of extension agents in planning and implementing programs has already given them visibility in communities. Extension agents have also gained a great deal of expertise through working with millions of volunteers in program areas such as agriculture, 4-H, home economics, and community resources development. Recently, a panel of extension agents were asked about their activities in the area of volunteerism development. The panel suggested that funding, training, and evaluation are crucial for volunteer development at the local level. Objectives that are short-term and perceived to be relevant for the given group have the best chance of attainment. Although service to volunteerism adds job responsibilities that increase agents' workload, involvement in volunteerism development can have many benefits for the extension agents themselves and for the extension system as a whole. Accommodation of the voluntary sector in Cooperative Extension Service programs could have many mutual benefits for agencies in human service-oriented activities. (MN)