Is everybody just phoning it in for a boss that just needs you to do busy work?
Yes! I work for a non-profit, providing a highly in-demand service to my community, for free or at a reduced cost. Nobody is getting rich doing what we do, but we are actively enriching and supporting our community. It is also a fantastic foot in the door for other forms of cooperation, community support, and mutual aid.
Not all non-profits are on the level, but no company with a profit motive will ever provide the kind of environment that a good non-profit can.