Volunteer work is currently a crucial condition for the good functioning of modern societies and is a strategic factor for the preservation of social and cultural heritage. Traditional volunteer work (which is long-lasting, hierarchical and highly cooperative) is experiencing a strong change. Although volunteer work in the alpine area is relatively widespread, the current developments (such as demographic change, low local rooting, increasing desertion of the area by the active population) make it necessary to enforce it further. The cooperation between non - governmental organizations, local administrations and associations has a key role in opposing these negative trends and in helping to support sustainable development of culture and local traditions. This project aims at supporting the current effort of these organizations by analyzing the current status of volunteer work and creating a user manual that sets the guidelines for a successful voluntary sector.