diff --git a/.DEREK.yml b/.DEREK.yml
index 8ad2aa21..f35dbed4 100644
--- a/.DEREK.yml
+++ b/.DEREK.yml
@@ -25,13 +25,13 @@ custom_messages:
 
   - name: template
     value: |
-           This project uses Issue and PR templates and requires that all
-           users fill out the template in detail before help can be given.
+           Thank you for your interest in the project.
+           
+           By participating in the community, you are agreeing to follow the contribution guidelines.
 
-           To continue please edit your Issue/PR or open a new one, and 
-           please provide all the fields requested.
+           This project uses templates for new Issues and Pull Requests. These templates contain information that the team needs you to provide, before they can help.
 
-           Thank you for your contribution.
+           Please go ahead and edit this Issue or Pull Request and please provide all the fields that were requested. If it is simpler, you may open a new Issue or Pull Request or find the text within the `.github` folder in this repository.
 
   - name: propose
     value: |