Sociability and Patterns of Participation: Implications for Social Service Policy

In policy circles, a response to meeting human needs through social networks and voluntary organizations is increasingly viewed as a substitute for publicly provided services. While prior research suggests that participation in these two types of voluntary activity may be related, the relationship is little understood. A secondary analysis of national survey data was carried out using bivariate and multivariate techniques to ascertain the relationship between indicators of voluntary organiza tion participation and close personal ties, as well as certain demographic charac teristics. Findings suggest that persons with a greater number of close personal ties will also participate in more voluntary organizations. Implications for policymaking are discussed.