update pr template

PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md

@@ -1,9 +1,19 @@
-References \#0000 (\<=== Add issue number here)
+Fixes #0000 (<=== Add issue number here)
 
-Make sure these boxes are checked before your pull request is ready to be reviewed and merged. Thanks!
+Make sure these boxes are checked before your pull request (PR) is ready to be reviewed and merged. Thanks!
 
-* [ ] tests pass -- `rake test`
-* [ ] code has been rebased on top of latest master (check if another pull request was added recently, and please rebase)
-* [ ] pull request is descriptively named and, if possible, multiple commits squashed if they're smaller changes
+[//]: # (To mark checkboxe write 'x' within the square brackets)
+
+* [ ] PR is descriptively titled 📑 and links the original issue above 🔗
+* [ ] tests pass -- look for a green checkbox ✔️ a few minutes after opening your PR -- or run tests locally with `rake test`
+* [ ] code is in uniquely-named feature branch and has no merge conflicts 📁
+* [ ] screenshots/GIFs are attached 📎 in case of UI updation
+* [ ] ask `@publiclab/reviewers` for help, in a comment below
+
+> We're happy to help you get this ready -- don't be afraid to ask for help, and **don't be discouraged** if your tests fail at first!
+
+If tests do fail, click on the red `X` to learn why by reading the logs.
+
+Please be sure you've reviewed our contribution guidelines at https://publiclab.org/contributing-to-public-lab-software 
 
 Thanks!