A person who selflessly applies themselves to a task that has no direct personal economic benifit but which contributes to some aspect of society is called a shitworker. The term was initially coined in the punk rock zine Maximum Rock and Roll as the description of the columnists, writers and publishing crew who worked for no pay, doing all the shitwork, and who helped to vitalize that particualr scene. It has strong connotations of DIY culture and is a positive descriptor for those who prize community over personal gain.