diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/pull_request_template.md
index 30d4dab7b..69425b735 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/pull_request_template.md
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 ## Proposed change
 <!--
+  Thank you!
+
+  If you're introducing a new feature or significantly refactoring existing functionality, 
+  we encourage you to start a discussion first. This helps ensure your idea aligns with 
+  Frigate's development goals.
+
   Describe what this pull request does and how it will benefit users of Frigate.
   Please describe in detail any considerations, breaking changes, etc. that are 
   made in this pull request.
diff --git a/.github/workflows/pull_request.yml b/.github/workflows/pull_request.yml
index 6c773e5f9..0d0492d0c 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/pull_request.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/pull_request.yml
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ on:
   pull_request:
     paths-ignore:
       - "docs/**"
+      - ".github/**"
 
 env:
   DEFAULT_PYTHON: 3.11