diff --git a/charter-template.html b/charter-template.html
index beb6d38a..66c29dc3 100644
--- a/charter-template.html
+++ b/charter-template.html
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ <h1 id="title"><i class="todo">PROPOSED [name]</i> (Working|Interest) Group Char
 
       <div id="background" class="background">
         <h2>Motivation and Background</h2>
-        <p><i class="todo">Background of landscape, technology, and relationship to the Web, users, developers, implementers, and industry.</i></p>
+        <p><i class="todo">This section is optional but highly recommended for new group charters.<br>Background of landscape, technology, and relationship to the Web, users, developers, implementers, and industry.</i></p>
       </div>
 
       <section id="scope" class="scope">