This handbook has been developed to offer guidelines and suggestions to volunteers in mentoring programs to help them strengthen the mentoring relationship. The program for which the handbook was designed, the Mentor/Tutor Network in Madison, Wisconsin, has evolved into a comprehensive support system for schools to collaborate with community groups to pair adult volunteers with struggling students. The topics covered in this guide include: (1) history of the mentoring program; (2) expectations for mentors; (3) what students say; (4) what mentors say; (5) ideas for outings; (6) when you are an adult friend of a struggling student; (7) helpful hints for mentors; (8) steps toward positive interaction with youth; (9) discussion of students with needs for extra support; (10) considerations in mentoring students from different backgrounds; (11) the importance of listening; (12) tips for those mentoring Southeast Asian youth; and (13) characteristics of gifted and talented students. A mentor's agreement is included. (Contains 19 resources.) (SLD)