This paper draws on this body of literature -- as well as material produced by and for practitioners -- to: 1) explore the nature of the volunteering; 2) phenomenon of which so much is expected and provide a map of the territory it covers; 3) present key facts and figures about the current extent and contours of volunteering; 4) conduct an analysis of the trends and changes that will help to shape the future development of voluntary action; 5) and identify key challenges and problems and offer some thoughts on how to address them
