Maryland Writers Association (MWA): https://marylandwriters.org/
"The Maryland Writers' Association (MWA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the art, business, and craft of writing in all its forms. MWA strives to: 

• Bring together aspiring, emerging, and established writers of all genres and disciplines
• Serve as an information and networking resource
• Help members make contacts that lead to publication
• Encourage writers to reach their full potential, and
• Promote writing within Maryland communities

"MWA's diverse membership ranges from professional freelancers and published authors, to writers aspiring to be published and those who write as a creative outlet.  Members produce both nonfiction and fiction, including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, scripts, speeches, feature articles, and essays. Some work in specific genres such as romance, science fiction, thriller, fantasy, children's literature, travel writing, or biography" (from MWA Site)

The Loft Literary Center   //Loft.org

1011 Washington Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55415 | 612-215-2575 

• "Mission 
  • "Founded in 1974 (incorporated in 1975), the Loft is a haven for readers and writers; one of the largest centers of its kind in the country. Our mission is to advance the artistic development of writers, foster a thriving literary community, and inspire a passion for literature.
• "Values
  • "This work is essential. We believe that story, verse, and writing aren’t just nice things to put on a shelf, but are core to a full existence. At their best, words help us connect, entertain, mourn, provoke, educate, and empathize.  We accomplish the work by bringing essential conversations, artists, readers, and learning opportunities together under one roof, including classes, conferences, festivals, events, grants and awards, one-on-one services for writers, residencies, and community engagement." Loft.org