Variables Declaration And Visibility

Let's say within a class I create a method that takes care of creating a java swing layout with labels, buttons etc.. then attach an action listener (inner class) for each button to change a respective label text. All I would need is that the action listener method can access and modify the label as needed.

Have read about static, protected, private, getters and setters but honestly bit confused about which structure should be adopted as a best practice. Global static protected variables for the labels along with private inner classes implementing ActionListeners believe will do the trick and will be able to access the labels but not convinced this is good practice.