diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..219c90bd6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+
+<!--
+
+**Please PLEASE reach out to us first before starting any significant work on new or existing features.**
+
+By the time you've gotten here, you're looking at creating a pull request so hopefully we're not too late.
+
+We love community contributions! That said, we want to make sure we're all on the same page before you start.
+Investing a lot of time and effort just to find out it doesn't align with the upstream project feels awful, and we don't want that to happen.
+It also helps to make sure the work you're planning isn't already in progress.
+
+As described in our contributing guide, please file an issue first: https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/issues
+Or, reach out to us on Discord: https://discord.gg/Jd3FzfdJa8
+
+Take a look at the contributing guide:
+https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/blob/main/CONTRIBUTING.md
+
+-->
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 892c9ab8a..84f67563b 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -10,36 +10,46 @@ Here’s how to get involved:
 
 Pick the right spot so we can help you faster:
 
-- **🐛 Bugs / Feature Ideas** → [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/issues)  
-- **❓ "How do I...?" / General Questions** → [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/discussions)  
+- **🐛 Bugs / Feature Ideas** → [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/issues)
+- **❓ "How do I...?" / General Questions** → [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/discussions)
 - **💬 Quick chats / casual stuff** → [Discord](https://discord.gg/Jd3FzfdJa8) → `#-💎-contributing`
 
 ---
 
 ## 🧑‍💻 Want to Contribute Code?
 
-1. **Find Something to Work On**  
-   Browse open issues on [GitHub](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/issues).  
+First, an important plea:
+**Please PLEASE reach out to us first before starting any significant work on new or existing features.**
+
+We love community contributions! That said, we want to make sure we're all on the same page before you start.
+Investing a lot of time and effort just to find out it doesn't align with the upstream project feels awful, and we don't want that to happen.
+It also helps to make sure the work you're planning isn't already in progress.
+
+As described below, please file an issue first: https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/issues
+Or, reach out to us on Discord: https://discord.gg/Jd3FzfdJa8
+
+1. **Find Something to Work On**
+   Browse open issues on [GitHub](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/issues).
    Got your own idea? Open an issue first so we can start the discussion.
 
-2. **Ask to Be Assigned**  
-   Comment on the issue and tag a code owner:  
+2. **Ask to Be Assigned**
+   Comment on the issue and tag a code owner:
    → [Code Owners](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/blob/main/.github/CODEOWNERS)
 
-3. **Get on the Roadmap**  
+3. **Get on the Roadmap**
    Once approved, you'll be assigned the issue, and it'll get added to our [roadmap](https://github.com/orgs/ag-ui-protocol/projects/1).
 
-4. **Coordinate With Others**  
-   - If you're collaborating or need feedback, start a thread in `#-💎-contributing` on Discord  
+4. **Coordinate With Others**
+   - If you're collaborating or need feedback, start a thread in `#-💎-contributing` on Discord
    - Or just DM the assignee directly
 
-5. **Open a Pull Request**  
-   - When you’re ready, submit your PR  
-   - In the description, include: `Fixes #<issue-number>`  
+5. **Open a Pull Request**
+   - When you’re ready, submit your PR
+   - In the description, include: `Fixes #<issue-number>`
      (This links your PR to the issue and closes it automatically)
 
-6. **Review & Merge**  
-   - A maintainer will review your code and leave comments if needed  
+6. **Review & Merge**
+   - A maintainer will review your code and leave comments if needed
    - Once it’s approved, we’ll merge it and move the issue to “done.”
 
 **NOTE:** All community integrations (ie, .NET, Golang SDK, etc.) will need to be maintained by the community
@@ -52,13 +62,13 @@ Docs are part of the codebase and super valuable—thanks for helping improve th
 
 Here’s how to contribute:
 
-1. **Open an Issue First**  
-   - Open a [GitHub issue](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/issues) describing what you’d like to update or add.  
+1. **Open an Issue First**
+   - Open a [GitHub issue](https://github.com/ag-ui-protocol/ag-ui/issues) describing what you’d like to update or add.
    - Then comment and ask to be assigned.
 
-2. **Submit a PR**  
+2. **Submit a PR**
    - Once assigned, make your edits and open a pull request.
-   - In the description, include: `Fixes #<issue-number>`  
+   - In the description, include: `Fixes #<issue-number>`
      (This links your PR to the issue and closes it automatically)
 
    - A maintainer will review it and merge if it looks good.
@@ -69,5 +79,5 @@ That’s it! Simple and appreciated.
 
 ## 🙌 That’s It!
 
-AG-UI is community-built, and every contribution helps shape where we go next.  
+AG-UI is community-built, and every contribution helps shape where we go next.
 Big thanks for being part of it!