Initalize the contributing document

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ Includes New Features, Enhancements, and Bug Fixes.
 * .gitignore (#21, #34, #38)
 * Repo readme (#22)
 * Abstract (#12)
+* Contributing document (#55)
 
 ### Example
 Includes analysis notebooks.

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+# Contributing Guidelines
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing to our project! Before you get
+started, please take a moment to review the following guidelines.
+
+## Testing
+
+Tests must be included for every new feature or bug fix. This helps ensure the stability and reliability of the codebase. Each archetype has an associated test file.
+
+## Documentation
+
+Documentation should accompany any updates or changes made to the project. This
+helps other contributors and users understand the purpose and functionality of
+the code. Documentation takes a couple of forms in this repository, we use
+README.md files, issues, and inline comments for documenting decisions. As some
+of these cannot be included in a commit, it is up to the contributor to
+indicate how they are documenting their addition.
+
+## Pull Requests
+
+Users cannot merge their own pull requests. All pull requests must be reviewed and approved by at least one other contributor.
+
+### Writing a Pull Request
+
+When submitting a pull request, please include the following:
+
+- A clear and concise description of the changes made.
+- Any relevant references to files or desired features.
+- Steps to reproduce the issue (if applicable).
+- Any additional information that may be helpful for reviewers.
+
+PRs are automatically checked to ensure that they include updates to the `CHANGELOG.md` file.
+**DO NOT MERGE A PR THAT DOESN'T PASS THIS TEST!**
+
+### Tagging Pull Requests
+
+When tagging your pull request, please use one of the following tags:
+
+- Bug Fix: For correcting a bug.
+- Documentation: For updates to READMEs, text documents, licenses, or writing.
+- New Feature: For substantial contributions that were previously outside the scope of the code.
+- Example: For notebooks, code examples, outlines, or sample files.
+- Enhancement: For refinement work on existing features that add value to the project.
+
+## Writing an Issue
+
+When creating an issue, please ensure it includes the following:
+
+- A description of the current state and the desired state.
+- Specific references to files or desired features.
+- Steps to reproduce the issue (if applicable).
+- A description of how the issue can be closed.
+
+We appreciate your contributions and look forward to working with you!