I'm trying to make t-shirts(Tees) to sell and raise money for a non-profit civil right groups, theme is American Dream...I opened my photoshop and I have no idea where to start. HELP!

Stars, stripes, classic cars and picket fences are what come to mind when I hear American Dream.

Do you plan on having text on the t-shirt? What font do you think suits "American-Dream"?

I always ask these questions before I start on a project.

Hot dogs and apple pie! Bob from the Enzyte commercials. Pearls. Red Lipstick.

Just a few things that came to mind.

I think of classic 1940's pin-up? Like, the ones used in WW2 fliers? Yeah. Draw one of those, sitting on a tractor on big wide open spaces. There ya go.

defiantly pin-ups.

I not sure on what you mean when you say you don't know where to start but I hope this help

Do your t-shirt design in illustrator, vectors print better. Use PMS colors to design for t-shirt. Depending on the printing company you use, see how many colors you're allowed to us. The more colors, the more expensive. Make sure what applications they accept. Photoshop is a good program to use. If you use type then convert it all to outline. Find what format they (printing company) want the design in that they want sent to them.

Learn which fabrics print better, your printing company should have this information, so learn about them as much as possible, so you can better prepare your design for print.

Here's a few links that can help get you started.

Printing companies
http://www.ponyprinting.com/ - I recommend <3 They do all over printing!!!!!
http://www.heartcoreclothing.com/
http://www.americaniconmerch.com/
http://www.mammothprintshop.com
http://www.tshirtpros.com/

Companies that do wholesale that you can your shirts from the print on.
http://www.hanes.com
http://americanapparel.net/- I recommend <3 Most t-shirt companies use them
http://www.fruit.com/ - Fruit of the loom
http://gildan.com/

Good site to check out
http://www.howtostartaclothingcompany.com/

This is a cool site to host your t-shirt site!
http://bigcartel.com/

Note: Most printing companies will print on any brand (shirts) you desire and they will get the shirts themselves. Check out the printing company first and see what brands they print with. If they offer it, use American Apparel, and I recommend it

There you go!! If you need more help PM me.