Charity: what's in it for us?

Selfish or not - charitable deeds are needed if progress is to be made, argues Sophie Haydock.

'Can a charitable deed be perceived as selfless? Or are we more interested in topping-up our tans in exotic destinations?' 'Angelina Jolie uses her celebrity-status constructively to represent numerous charitable causes.' 'Are we, the youth of today, selfishly exploiting charitable causes to benefit personally?'

Can a charitable deed be perceived as selfless? Or are we, as young people, more interested in topping-up our tans in exotic destinations, patting ourselves on the back for all our good deeds and exploiting charitable organisations in order to add inches to our CVs rather than engaging with a charitable project for more altruistic reasons?

Whether it's a gap-year in a South-American orphanage, campaigning at university or a shift or two in an Oxfam shop - the perception of doing a charitable deed is open to suspicion. In our consumerist society it seems that if we are not doing something for money, then there has to be something else 'in it for us'. According to the cynical, charity is a self-congratulatory act done either to appear as a generous, giving, philanthropic kind of person, or as an inward confidence boost.

But why should people be so pessimistic? Surely the most important argument is that the charitable act is being done at all?

Anything done in the name of charity can be interpreted from opposing perspectives. It seems anyone can take advantage of a situation to make them look good or can do a charitable deed to feel like a better person. Angelina Jolie, for example, could exploit her fame to advertise her latest perfume - instead she uses her celebrity-status constructively to represent numerous charitable causes, such as visiting earthquake victims in Pakistan, being a goodwill spokesperson for the UN and helping to publicise World Refugee Day. She may receive publicity for her charitable deeds, she may even feel good about herself as a person, but at the end of the day the causes she supports are the ones who benefit. I think we should celebrate those who choose to use their energies productively.

Celebrities aside, are we, the youth of today, selfishly exploiting charitable causes to benefit personally? When we volunteer, raise money, donate money or just promote the things we’re passionate about, what’s in it for us? It can’t just be cushy benefits or the feel good factor that keeps us zealous on the charity front, but something that goes deeper than the superficial. Experiences whilst volunteering, often act as a catalyst for the future and make us volunteers more ethically aware, forcing us to take responsibility for the world we live in.

Our intentions may or may not always be entirely altruistic, that's to say we may gain something from the experience too. Charity is, after all, a reciprocal experience. We might get a tan, we might get some good photos, and we will certainly gain experience, understanding and a section for our CVs. After-all it's the receiving part that guarantees we stay inspired and passionate about giving more of our time and energy. As long as we continue with genuine intentions, with energy and passion and a belief in making a difference, then the inevitable and overwhelmingly positive consequences will be that progress is made.