This essay discusses the roots, current shapes, and social and operational implications of mentoring young people in poverty. After an introductory first section on mentoring and the new voluntarism, Section II, "Recurring Fervor," notes recent increased interest in mentoring and traces the early manifestations of mentoring to 19th Century "friendly visiting" campaigns. Section III, "From Mythology to Policy," describes various cultural permutations of the role of the mentor. Section IV, "The New Wave of Mentoring," describes currently operating mentor programs at the state, local, and private levels. Section V, "Exploring Mentoring's Rise," traces the current social causes for the mentoring movement's rise. Section VI, "Great Expectations," looks critically at the movement's great fervor and high expectations. Section VII, "A Modest Intervention," explores actual possible accomplishments through a review of research results and insights from mentors themselves. Section VIII, "Mentoring's Crossroads," considers the gap between enthusiasm for the concept and the modest results and current lack of infrastructure. Section IX, "Implications of Mentoring," discusses the long-term importance of the movement for poor and disadvantaged youth and its implications for raising other societal issues. A list of 128 notes arranged by chapter heading is included. (JB)