diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 6849bfa0f8..f4bee94ff3 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
-Make sure these boxes are checked before submitting your pull request. Thank you!
+Thank you for your interest in making OpenLayers better!
 
-- [ ] This pull request addresses an issue that has been marked with the 'Pull request accepted' label.
+In order to get your proposed changes merged into the master branch, we ask you to please make sure the following boxes are checked *before* submitting your pull request.
+
+- [ ] This pull request addresses an issue that has been marked with the 'Pull request accepted' label & I have added the link to that issue.
 - [ ] It contains one or more small, incremental, logically separate commits, with no merge commits.
 - [ ] I have used clear commit messages.
+- [ ] Existing tests pass for me locally & I have added or updated tests for new or changed functionality.
+- [ ] The work herein is covered by a valid [Contributor License Agreement (CLA)](https://github.com/openlayers/cla).