diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 6f7ea3c867..7cf778ad2f 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
  - [ ] Closes #xxxx
  - [ ] I am familiar with the [contributing guidelines](https://pvlib-python.readthedocs.io/en/latest/contributing/index.html)
+ - [ ] Any AI-generated material has been vetted for accuracy and compatability with the pvlib contributing guidelines
  - [ ] Tests added
  - [ ] Updates entries in [`docs/sphinx/source/reference`](https://github.com/pvlib/pvlib-python/blob/main/docs/sphinx/source/reference) for API changes.
  - [ ] Adds description and name entries in the appropriate "what's new" file in [`docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew`](https://github.com/pvlib/pvlib-python/tree/main/docs/sphinx/source/whatsnew) for all changes. Includes link to the GitHub Issue with `` :issue:`num` `` or this Pull Request with `` :pull:`num` ``. Includes contributor name and/or GitHub username (link with `` :ghuser:`user` ``).
diff --git a/.github/workflows/welcome.yml b/.github/workflows/welcome.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..54dea679a8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/welcome.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+name: Welcome First-Time Contributor
+
+on:
+  issues:
+    types: opened
+  pull_request_target:
+    types: opened
+
+permissions: {}
+
+jobs:
+  welcome:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    permissions:
+      issues: write
+      pull-requests: write
+    steps:
+      - uses: plbstl/first-contribution@v4
+        with:
+          issue-opened-msg: |
+            ### Hey @{fc-author}! :wave:
+
+            Thanks for opening your first issue. Welcome to the community!
+          pr-opened-msg: |
+            ### Hey @{fc-author}! :tada:
+
+            Thanks for opening your first pull request! We appreciate your
+            contribution. Please ensure you have reviewed and understood the
+            [contributing guidelines](https://pvlib-python.readthedocs.io/en/latest/contributing/index.html).
+            
+            If AI is used for any portion of this PR, you must vet the content
+            for technical accuracy and compatibility with the contributing
+            guidelines.
\ No newline at end of file