I have recently become quite involved with a charity here at university. I spend several hours a week at meetings, organising fund-raisers and publicising our events.
Some of my friends have been questioning me about why I devote so much of my time to a charity and what I have to gain from my work.
To me, such questions show that they have completely missed the point of joining a charity. Most people who work for charities don't do it for personal gain. There are far easier and more effective ways to earn money and experience.
No, most people join charities because they identify with a cause and want to contribute to its success. Knowing that you're helping someone can be its own reward.
The fact that so many people are baffled by this idea of helping others without personal gain indicates a worrying trend in society.
Fewer and fewer people are interested in working for the good of others. Rather, they prefer to do everything only for personal gain or benefit.