In an effort to increase minority representation on the Undergraduate Council (UC), the student-run organization Vote or Die is helping a dozen minority candidates solidify their campaign platforms and publicize them on campus.

The student-run organization, created in 2004 by Lori M. Adelman ’08, and Amadi P. Anene ’08, works with minority candidates to ensure accurate and fair representation. It helps them campaign and provides them with techniques and guidelines in developing their platforms and strategies. The organization also aims to encourage students to vote.

Both Adelman and Anene served on the UC last year and are running this term.

On Wednesday, Vote or Die held a party and information session from 9 to 11 p.m. in the Lowell House basement to disseminate the platforms of its candidates to voters and current UC representatives.

The gathering of about 30 students featured pool and arcade games, a bit of hip-hop, and some snacks.

Anene said that there has been great need for an organization like Vote or Die at Harvard.

“Two years ago, the UC was much more homogeneous,” said Anene. “Now there are more minority representatives.”

UC Vice President Clay Capp said that Vote or Die plays a key role in addressing the need for diversity on the UC.

“Good representation is something that the UC has not historically been good about,” he said.

Although the UC is making progress, there is room for improvement, too, he said.

“Last year was decent with minority representation, but it wasn’t good enough,” he said.

This year’s Vote or Die candidates are running with a range of goals.

Brian L. Jackson ’08, who is in the running to represent Kirkland House, said that one of his goals is to shed more light on student accomplishments at Harvard.

“In a majority of cases, accomplishments receiving awards and recognition are regarding professors and the administration,” he said. “Harvard has a collection of talented and diverse scholars. There is no reason why the students shouldn’t have a larger piece of the recognition.”

Samson F. Ayele ’09, from the East Yard, has financial goals in mind.