Division C is part of the new structure of the International Astronomical Union, launched in August 2012 at the Beijing XXVIII GA. It is a subsection of the previous Division XII, Union Wide Activities.
Members of Division C are involved in all aspects of Education, Outreach, and Heritage. Individuals from other divisions whose work straddles the boundaries between their scientific interest and Division C may propose Working Groups within Division C. Education ranges from primary to tertiary level including both formal and informal education, and is informed by astronomy education research. Outreach communicates to the public through a wide range of media. History involves the study of the past, especially in human affairs, such as the astronomical attributes of humanity’s cultural history. Heritage includes the legacy of astronomical artifacts and structures. The activities of Division C are coordinated with those of the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO), and the Office for Young Astronomers (OYA) that runs the International Schools for Young Astronomers (ISYA).
With the reform of Commissions completed in April 2015, a new commission structure was implemented at the end of the General Assembly in Hawaii in August 2015. Initial enrollment in Commissions concluded on 15 May 2015. Enrollment will be possible following the General Assembly. Enrolling in a Division C commission provides automatic enrollment in Division C.