diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index b5fc738afc..def22c7e56 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,10 +1,15 @@
-Fixes #.
-
-## Changes
+# Changes
 
 Please provide a brief description of the changes here.
 
-For significant contributions please make sure you have completed the following items:
+## Merge Requirements
+
+For new features contributions please make sure you have completed the following
+essential items:
+
+* [ ] `CHANGELOG.md` updated to document new feature additions
+* [ ] Appropriate documentation updates in the [docs](../docs/) folder
 
-* [ ] Appropriate `CHANGELOG.md` updated for non-trivial changes
-* [ ] Design discussion issue #
+Maintainers will not merge until the above have been completed. If you're unsure
+which docs need to be changed ping the
+[@open-telemetry/demo-approvers](https://github.com/orgs/open-telemetry/teams/demo-approvers).
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 431856d08f..7443e677d1 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -97,6 +97,13 @@ Once the images are built and containers are started you can access:
 - Feature Flags UI: <http://localhost:8080/feature/>
 - Load Generator UI: <http://localhost:8080/loadgen//>
 
+### Review the Documentation
+
+The Demo team is committed to keeping the demo up to date. That means the
+documentation as well as the code. When making changes to any service or feature
+remember to find the related docs and update those as well. Most (but not all)
+documentation can be found the [docs](./docs/) folder.
+
 ## Create Your First Pull Request
 
 ### How to Send Pull Requests
@@ -165,7 +172,9 @@ A PR is considered to be **ready to merge** when:
 - Major feedbacks are resolved.
 - It has been open for review for at least one working day. This gives people
   reasonable time to review.
-- Trivial change (typo, cosmetic, doc, etc.) doesn't have to wait for one day.
+- The [documentation](./docs/) and [Changelog](./CHANGELOG.md) have been updated
+  to reflect the new changes.
+- Trivial changes (typo, cosmetic, doc, etc.) don't have to wait for one day.
 
 Any Maintainer can merge the PR once it is **ready to merge**. Note, that some
 PRs may not be merged immediately if the repo is in the process of a release and